Why the facination with integrated amps?

I might not have said this just a few years back, but these days I believe sound quality is not a good reason to not go with a good integrated amp. Solutions to the old problems of sticking too many circuits and large transformers in close proximity to each other in a single box seem to have been solved. Efficient Class D amps do not utilize traditional large power transformers to do their thing and in recent years it also appears the RF noise issues associated with the switching circuits have been resolved. My newer Class D integrated amps, both the Bel Canto C5i and the $80 Fosi are both dead quiet, easily among the quietest I have ever owned or heard.

I still run separates in my main rig, but when the time comes to replace that, I will most likely take the opportunity to downsize and go with a good modern integrated amp, very possibly another digital one like the C5i, but with a few more watts if needed. Definitely a Class D amp section. Maybe a tube pre-amp section, like a Rogue Pharoah, but leaning away from any tubes at all at this point.

Efficient Class D amps do not utilize power transformers and in recent years it also appears the RF noise issues associated with the switching circuits have been resolved.

I agree, even though I am considering going from Class D monoblocks to a linear integrated or even HT receiver.

Above all, in an apartment, I can no longer afford the clutter and floor space of separates, not to mention horrible cable messes. Right now, simplicity and space come first, followed by sound quality. I wish I could say I have a home in the mountains where I can have a dedicated listening room and beautiful rack which hides all my cables, but that’s not going to happen.


I have become a devotee of Marie Kondo by necessity.



Peace,


E

erik most of the world is with you on that desired lifestyle description including me these days, especially as I head towards retirement years and more downsizing and fewer hassles. I will probably keep my big OHM F5s around as long as possible but pretty much everything else is already on the downsizing path.  The $80 Fosi helped open my eyes to what is possible in a small package and on a limited budget,  though I tend to think I would still find it hard to settle for just a single $80 integrated amp the size of a pack of cigarettes alone.

I have not heard anyone ever mention the name ARCAM in any of the discussions.  I wonder why?  Also wonder what people think of the Parsound Halo Integrated.  I thought it sounded great for that price point and it sure can push a lot of current.  Also wonder why manufactures push watts rather than amps (current).  I thought the amps were the most important spec.

Dave Belles had an interesting piece on his website about the sonic advantages of an integrated. Not sure if it’s still there. I remember it as essentially the amp and preamp can be “perfectly” matched. And not have to be compatible with dozens of other products and brands.