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?

madavid001-31-2018 8:07am

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crazyeddy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 381 posts 02-02-2018 at 01:57pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete +1 @nonoise
chattaudio Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 35 posts 02-02-2018 at 02:10pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Mcintosh MA9000 sounds awesome. Loads of power, all the connections you'll ever need, superb DAC, MC/MM phono stage, tone controls. Two problems: it weighs 100 lb and costs $10K.
kalali Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,977 posts 02-02-2018 at 02:17pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete + imhifiman. Great find. The OP can get one for each room and still stay within the budget. A true "integrated".
jriggy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 563 posts 02-02-2018 at 03:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete +1 on the Vinnie Rossi LIO (w/ DHT stage). I’ve owned Ayon Triton, Triton II, Accuphase E-560 and demoed the Luxman 590-AXii, as well as owned separates from Modwright and Herron. The LIO was juuust right. As versatile as it gets and w/ the ultra-cap off-the-grid power, it’s the cleanest tube sound I’ve heard. Also the preamp is killer, as I am using it as DHT preamp only with a reference quality $15k amp...and the internal amp in LIO stood proudly not to far behind my amp. Excellent reviews and show coverage out there for the LIO.
hoganpc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 28 posts 02-02-2018 at 03:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I've been out of the high end for a long time. My last foray included an Auduble Illusions 3A preamp and a Meitner STR-101 power amp. Just like week I acquired a mint used Revox B150 integrated to drive my Mirage M590i speakers in a bedroom system. Back then, circa the early to mid 1990s, I believe it sold for about $1,400 Can. Apart from being a little bright, it is fast, detailed, and exquisitely dynamic both on micro and macro passages, with thunderous bass. The midrange is very neutral and not quite as "romantic" as the abovementioned combo. It is no Hegel 360 but is certainly in no way "crap".