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Why amps, pre-amps, integrated amps???

OK, having thusfar asked questions on this forum that have exposed me to the odd raised eyebrow and snicker for my gross audio ignorance, I shall go farther still, and venture to ask: What, exactly, are amps, pre-amps, and integrated amps??. More to the point, what, exactly, is their purpose; what do they do? And why do pre-amps and amps still exist comfortably in the audio market when you can get them combined as an integrated amp?? I just don't get it. Would much appreciate your learned revelations - after, of course, you've finished with your hoots, knee-slaps, and cat-calls.
georgester
levy03
442 posts
 
all of the audiophile world exists to take as much of your money as possible. that would include the components you mention along with everything else we talk about here.

feel better now? =)
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
"Hi end" audio is all about diminishing returns. All separate and mono blocks yield the ultimate audio when this is what your ears require, and you listen to music enough to justify the expense.

I'm sure separate power supplies have a lot to do with this. Turning AC into DC is what "black silent" background is all about.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Georgester, these are some very good posts with few contradictions. I think they all contribute to the total picture.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

12-07-11: Orpheus10
"Hi end" audio is all about diminishing returns. All separate and mono blocks yield the ultimate audio when this is what your ears require, and you listen to music enough to justify the expense.
It's not necessarily more expensive. The maturity of high end audio plus the rise of Chinese-sourced new components change the high end price/performance ratio.

Consider: My combination of Jolida phono and line stage pre's plus vintage tuner and 180wpc power amp cost me a total of $1007. You will *not* find a new receiver or integrated amp at that price that can touch the power, clarity, and musicality of this stack.

Even going new, you can get an Emotiva USP-1 pre (with phono stage) plus 125 wpc UPA-1 power amp for $658. You'd be hard-pressed to find a new integrated--let alone a receiver--that could approach its performance at that price. Entry-level separates are no longer the big jump in price compared to integrateds and receivers worth listening to. The only disadvantages are rack space requirements and the cost of interconnects.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
I like vintage tuners. In regard to the 180wpc power amp as compared to the very same amp as monoblocks, from a price performance point of view the 180wpc would be the winner; but there's nothing like the 3D soundstage of monoblocks, this is a result of the channel separation. While this is over the top, if you ever get used to monoblocks, you're hooked.
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