2. amps-preamps
  3. 154615-2897

To integrate or not...

Hi all

Many of you have far more experience of products & change of equipment than me, so... which of you have moved from seperate to an integrated & why? Are some of you having serious consideration switching to an integrated...?

I know there are reasons for not due to the inability to change amps & interconnects. Plus if there is a failure then you're without pre & power.

I'm currently inclined to move to an integrated, preferably tube. Present contenders are PrimaLuna Evo 400 & Pass INT-60.

I'm currently using Octave HP700 pre (tubes upgraded to gold pin Siemens) with phono module, Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R monos & Audio Physic Avantera III.

The Avantera III are fairly sensitive at 89db so not such an issue for lower power integrated options. 

Thanks 
Rich
infection
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@noble100 Hi Tim, I think you make a good point; I do indeed love what my HP700 does, so purchasing an integrated (potentially blind) that didn’t have the elements I love about it would be tragic!

There are certainly pros & cons for integrated & seperates. I suspect I would need to be absolutely blown away with an integrated if I were to switch.
There will be some that would but I reckon they would be beyond my budget...e.g. Vitus SIA 030
jerry_gt3rs's avatar
jerry_gt3rs
83 posts
 
Infection, I have made the switch from very high quality separates to the Octave V80se and I am very pleased with the sound. The V80se is powerful enough to drive my Q3s which are rated at 92db in a fairly large room effortlessly. Considering the fact that you have enjoyed other Octave products, it might be worth a listen. Also, the unit is amazingly flexible allowing all manner of configuration changes should you choose to upgrade at a later date. 
dill
2,579 posts
 
I downsized from an all Pass Labs Aleph system to a Pathos Classic One MKIII and I am happy with the move.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I tend to be a minimalist. CDP with volume control, amplifier, speakers.
infection's avatar
infection OP
809 posts
 
@jerry_gt3rs  what did you have prior to the V80SE? Do you have the additional Black Box? 
I have considered the V80SE... Did you choose the phono module option?
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