After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?


I'm rethinking my listening room. I want my audio rack to be more minimalist vs lots of boxes, wires, and clutter. I know separates, in general, will sound better. However, at the level of my system, I'm not certain the difference would be as apparent. In the grand scheme of things of Audiophilia, my level of components are mid-fi at best (BHK Pre, First Watt J2, Elac PPA-2 phono, Pro-ject s2 Dac, ZU Omen Defs)

I'm favoring one of the Luxman Class A's (I know Luxman is getting out of the Class A business. The only way I would favor a built-in Dac is if it were upgradable like McIntosh or Accuphase. I'm guessing a Luxman or Mac built-in phono would sound just as good as to what I have now (Elac PPA-2).

So the question is, who else has gone to integrated? Do you regret the move or are you glad you did?

 

aberyclark

Love my Circle Labs A200.  I have no desire for separates since it was placed in my system. Exquisite tone and so enjoyable to listen to.  

I also switched from separates and am using the Ayre AX-5 Twenty integrated amp.  

I bet that Circle Labs A200 would sound much better with a Quantum Science Audio Red/Black Fuse and Black/Red AC Outlet.

the theoretical tradeoffs in principle are well known - hardly worth debating at this level

it is all in practical implementation and specifics of units, systems, synergy where the rubber meets the road on which is better