2. amps-preamps
  3. 146319-12450

Why the facination with integrated amps?

I don’t get it. Is it the manufacturers spotting a trend with the tail wagging the dog or does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?
Pros;
Less space
One less set of IC’s
In theory-one less chassis/case to pay for
Shorter signal paths possible
Can combine transformer/cap function
Cons;
Power supply interference/spuriae
Reduced Flexibility-can’t switch amp or preamp as easily or go to monoblocs
Less resonance control
Long history of lesser performance per measurements and long-term subjective listening
Less resale value if it turns out to be a fad
Less liklihood of an extremely high performing active preamp

I freely admit I am a skeptic. The industry-like so many others-looks for new market niches to move product. 
FWIW, the only integrateds I myself would care to audition would be from Esoteric and Luxman who have a long history of designing no-compromise (low-compromise) high-end integrateds. 

128x128fsonicsmith
erik_squires
16,300 posts
 
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

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
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.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,009 posts
 
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.
jl35
4,038 posts
 
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. 
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"Also wonder what people think of the Parsound Halo Integrated."
I have never heard one, but I noticed people mentioning it many times on other threads. If I remember correctly, it was all in a positive way.
More to discover