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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
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Free will led me to Sonus Faber; Providence led me to Magnepan and a Ducati 916

@ps   Funny and nice! 
cellcbern's avatar
cellcbern
61 posts
 
I have two outstanding integrated amps (both were Stereophile Class A stock) that I would not trade for any combination of separates that I've heard.

My Pathos TT RR has upgraded capacitors (Mundorf Silver-Gold-Oil) and resistors (Audio Note).  I have the new Sophia Electric blue EL-4-ST power tubes in my Unison S6.  Performance from both is so good in my system that I am off the upgrade merry-go-round and can find nothing to criticize when I listen to them. 
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
Rogue Audio integrateds sound wonderful
markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
651 posts
 
Look look at the cover of Stereophile  this month:  Bel Canto Black ACI 600. 
jburidan
803 posts
 
That has not been my experience. Integrateds can be wonderful.
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