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

I like modern design and appreciate the lack of clutter.

I started my audio journey with a receiver with tape deck and a turn table and later a CD player.

I've had an NAD integrated and went to separates with McIntosh C2600 and MC 302 with a streamer and turntable (I still have the tape deck and while it's a conversation starter it really is a dust collector!

My current set-up is Moon 390 preamp/network player and two monoblock amplifiers. 

• Moon 390 is a preamp with DAC, Streamer and phono stage. I find it an upgrade over the Mc in every way
• I chose two monoblock amplifiers because I listen to music fairly loud.  Moon also makes stereo amplifiers.

Because of my personal experience I encourage you to explore your options for reducing boxes versus assume an integrated amplifier is the answer.

A a preamp/DAC/Streamer/Phono stage combo with a separate amplifier is 2 boxes where as an integrated amplifier may require a separate DAC or streamer or phono stage.

Good luck on your journey!

“I would be curious if someone did a blind test between separates and integrated if they could hear the difference. If they can hear the difference, what would they hear? They would need to use a manufacturer that manufactures separates as well as integrated.”

@larry5729

I knew sooner or later someone going to show up here suggesting ‘blind’ testing regime. Let me just say, the premise of blind testing is flawed as it does not work for music or the equipment in question. It actually test something else - the tester himself and his abilities 😊

@garyalex I go thru a funk like this every few years. I've been thinking about rearranging and switching in and out components for a long time. I have seen quite a few nice "minimal" systems and I am rethinking my room. Yes, I'm hoping some change may "help" with the funk. However, its like driving the same car for a few years. You get a new one and becomes fun, at least a while, to drive again. To be honest in 5 years time, I'll probably change out something again. 

@audiojan I was looking at that same amp or the 30.8 to go with my BHK before my 'breakdown" lol

@james_edward I have heard a few ZU Speaker owners say the Luxmans are a great combo.