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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
nutty
2,921 posts
 

Last August 2021 I made the decision to scale back. I wanted a simple system consisting of an integrated amplifier and good CD player. I had an Oppo BDP105D > Ayre Cx-7emp player > Ayre K-5xeMP Preamp > Mark Levinson no.334 > Totem Forest Signature Speakers. I also had a classic Anthem I225 Integrated that pulled duty on occasion.

I selected the Naim Supernait 3 and their CD5si. Then I discovered that the CD5si was an entry level component. As a result I kept the Oppo BDP105D and purchased a Supernait 3. Then a Naim nDAC along and their Super Lumina DIN5-5. Thinking I was satisfied I jammed until March 2022. Then after hearing what the 3 piece system could provide I wanted more. I purchased a Teddy Pardo XPS and their TeddyCap SE. The Teddy XSP came with a free prototype power cable. So far it’s pulling it’s own weight.

Summation: I started with a 5 piece system and I'm now back to a 5 piece system. However I’ve gotta give it to Naim, their kit sounds amazing. The Teddy Pardo power products are quiet good as well. Better than Naim’s? Dunno but I really like Naim’s Integrated amp. 80 Naim watts/400VA transformer!

N

mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 

NEVER!!

jimf42's avatar
jimf42
62 posts
 

I like the idea of an integrated...but hard to biamp...

shredder's avatar
shredder
113 posts
 

I also own an Ayre AX-5/20. It replaced more expensive separates (Modwright KWA 150 SE and Cary Slp-05 pre) and sounds vastly better imho and takes up a lot less space.

Good high end companies seem to be investing a lot of R&D into integrateds these days.There are a lot of good ones in the price range we are discussing.

webking185's avatar
webking185
195 posts
 

I love separates and integrated amps.  Anyone in the hobby long enough knows we must have multiples systems to use and try out.  Especially when you come across vintage gear at low prices.  I enjoy music and love to switch it up from time to.  But nothing wrong with integrated, I'm currently enjoying my Luxman 590, and next month I throw back into the loop my MX-1.  What makes this hobby so much fun is the synergy of equipment.  I heard several albums repeatedly with different speaker/amp, and they each bring a new flavor :)

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