Integrateds: Why do they all SUCK?


I’m trying to find a HIGH QUALITY integrated that has:
1. A no-corners-cut real class A - A/B power stage.
2. A real, high quality analog preamp line stage.
3. A good phono stage.

Aside from a few very high end products, the above described integrateds seem not to exist. Why can’t I find a quality integrated? Do we just have to accept having a pile of boxes?
madavid0
I’ve got a Audio Note Oto se w/phono and it’s the best amp I’ve ever owned!! Ive had Carver, Dynaco, Phase Linear; BLOWS them away.Never would have believed 10watts could produce such sound! Take into account that I could have never afforded this amp (customer was taking it to goodwill) and there very hard to find AND I had to buy new speakers to meet efficiency requirements. There out there but your gonna pay
Sorry, it should have read:  It’s not worth the digital print to respond to this absurd post

Conrad Johnson CA200:

Similar in function to an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier offers the significant potential improvement of eliminating superfluous connections, external cabling, and inter-device connection considerations that limit conventional audio systems. But the control amplifier also eliminates an entire stage of audio circuitry (the line stage) and its inherent colorations.

Most integrated amplifiers not only forgo the advantage of eliminating superfluous circuits, but also are cheapened to offer a low cost entry into a prestigious brand, thereby failing to achieve even the performance gains that could be afforded by integrating preamp and amp into a single package.

By contrast, the CA200 circuits incorporate top quality parts (metal foil resistors, polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors, machined gold-plated connectors, etc.) to fully realize the dramatic potential of a control amplifier to enhance the immediacy of musical experience afforded by fine recordings. As a result, the CA200 is notable for its resolution of subtle dynamic shadings and palpable imaging, for a natural harmonic tonality, and extraordinary resolution. A half-scale version of the Premier 350 amplifier at the CA200’s price would be an excellent value. Add in the full switching and level control functionality of the control amplifier and it can be seen to be a genuine bargain.