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
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 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
4,026 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.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Since there's been much discussion of the higher end...

Homage to the 'reasonable' end of the what's possible (purely as an example):

Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Receiver USD $849 List.

MM/MC Phono; HD/FM/AM Tuner; Internet Radio; USB-B input; USB-A Input; Equalizer loop; Bass Management; Tone Control; Subwoofer Output; Headphone Output; Mini-jack Input; Accessory 5V DC Power; Digital Inputs; Pre-Out; Volume Control; Remote Control; etc. etc. etc.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,866 posts
 

If one does not require the gain provided by the pre-amp section of an integrated and most separate pre-amps, a power amp with a built-in passive pre-amp (control of volume, switching, etc.) is an attractive alternative to a conventional integrated (which in many cases have a power amp section compromised in the interest of meeting a retail price point).

There are some of that kind of product available, and I could provide the name of one tube amp designer/builder who will I believe install a passive pre-amp in one of his amps if you so desire (he approves of the concept). I could, but have been reprimanded for "pimping" for him and his products. Can't have that, so you’ll have to figure it out for yourselves. Hint: He was for years located in beautiful Santa Barbara, but has relocated to the Berkeley/Oakland area in N. California (not without its’ own charms).

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