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Want to try separates, what to expect.

Ok, I have always had an integrated amp or A/V receiver (briefly) as my main source for amplification. I started with a Lafayette tube amp that was my Granddad's. I have had a few different SS units from the late 70"s and the late 80's. I now an using a very nice Modwright KWI 200. I have this strong urge to try some modestly priced separates. Is this a move that will bring obvious sonic improvement or just subtle improvement. Just thought I would ask for opinions before I jump off that cliff. I'll likely still try it, you know how it goes in this hobby. Thanks, Allen (Mizike)
mizike
soix
9,695 posts
 
Really depends on the design of the equipment and your taste.  To me, one of the biggest advantages is the ability to more custom tailor your sound by mixing brands, tubes and solid state, and swapping interconnects.  But this flexibility can obviously come at a price, and it may take a lot of work to find the right combo that sounds meaningfully better to you than your integrated.  The potential is there, if you dare!
gochurchgo
923 posts
 
I went with separates so that I can buy the best I can afford by doing it one piece at a time. I’m very impatient.

1 year in and I have probably 2 years to go until I'm done.
helomech
1,715 posts
 
In many cases, you can expect zero improvement over a good integrated. And when mixing brands, there's a good chance you'll experience a higher noise floor. Good luck.
marqmike
843 posts
 
+ 1 hk fan and gochurchgo and soix
In an integrated solution they can of have all the electrical characteristics sorted out for you. So if it is a sound real close to what you like you can just swap out speaker cables, power cord and finely tune it. Going separates you may never equal that , but there is a bigger upside when going separates if you like to try and listen and swap out until you are happy. 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Depends on how curious and open to learning you are. Since you have not had separates nor have worked with them, I encourage you to give it a go.

I went from integrateds to separates to integrateds to separates and now am back to an integrated.
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