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
stereo_gen
62 posts
 

I'm all "in" for integrated amps. A couple of years ago I have purchased a Marantz 1180DC and 1152DC Integrated amps from the mid '70s in excellent condition and I'm very happy with the sound that coming out of my Klipsch Forte. These amps are built like a tank and are design to create and correct the sound you want for your music room.  Furthermore, while getting the 1152DC service my local Audio Service Tech of 40 years (yeah, we're in out 60s) was very impress with the quality parts that Marantz put into these amps comparing to other name brand integrates and receivers from this era and today.

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 

Separates will always sound better most of the times, but integrated make sense for bedrooms and small rooms with simple setups.

cd318
2,636 posts
 

I went from a Naim pre/power to a Creek integrated.

No regrets.

In fact the Creek is actually more powerful than the Naim was (not that I ever get to go past halfway on the volume knob).

Plus it's nice to have a remote control.

rjinaz86323
16 posts
 

I would love to go integrated. I currently run a McIntosh MX-130 and MC-7150. I would love to have an MA452. Only thing holding me back is money😎

nottmkid
13 posts
 

Hi, having run my Musical Fidelity separates since about 1980 and decided I needed a new and cleaner looking solution with better resolution. I recently surrendered to a Circle Labs A200 and do not regret it at all. I wanted a simple integrated amplifier with no other fancy additions as I have a T+A DAC 8 DSD and Wolf Server. The A200 is delightfully musical and detailed and foot tapping good.

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