2. amps-preamps
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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
bobheinatz
705 posts
 

I got rid of my separates recently and I am using a Sam Kim Heathkit 151 integrated.   He used only the chassis and transformers from the 151 and hand built each circuit to his own specs.  Includes a outstanding MC phono section and killer linestage.  In will also a have Boulder 866 in my system in a couple of days.  No I don't miss my separates. 

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Yep sure did.

Audio Hungary Qualiton X200 tube int.

Heed Elixir for the weekly grind in the office, Love this little Class A ss integrated.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,269 posts
 

If it were me, I would go for a McIntosh integrated.  Great sound, plenty of flexibility and upgradable DAC. 

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

NO, why would I want my sound quality to go backwards?

reubent
6,939 posts
 

I moved from separates to a Rega Elicit-R integrated amp a few years ago. I also upgraded my CD player to the Rega Saturn-R CD player/transport/DAC. The Elicit-R has a good phono stage built-in. So, I only have 2 electronic components in my system, plus a turntable. My system is super clean looking and it sounds great. I listen to more music now than I did when I had separates. The Rega is very musical and has great bottom end driving my Infinity RS1.5 3-way large bookshelf speakers.

I don't see a day when I'll move back to separate pre-amp and amp.

 

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