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
mrskeptic
262 posts
 

Interesting that people ASSume any integrated will sound worse than separates. I've been using them for years with the latest one being a Primare I32 with the add-on streamer and it's wonderful and sounds excellent. Personal bias is really hard to admit, apparently. 

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

No, not me.  I started with a receiver system back in 1973, 1 year out of high school.  Since then I have had 3 systems of separates.  My present system is still a work in progress (about 3 years to get it where it is) but new speakers are presently on order and I will upgrade the phono stage by the end of this year as well.  When I get too old and have to live in a smaller space I will go to an integrated amp system.  For now, this one is fantastic and I love every component and every change in upgrade.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 

Anyone who wants to cut to the chase for better sound rather than do it themselves should strongly consider an integrated amp these days in order to cut to the chase. The technology has come a long way and there is probably one out there for everyone at most any price point. Leave the technology integration to the experts.  Then you can just focus on the right speakers and room acoustics.

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 

I did it as well…Krell K300i with DAC.  Class A with power!  Go with quality and good support like Krell, McIntosh, Pass Labs etc..

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 

Other integrated amp makers worthy of consideration include NAD, Cambridge Audio, Bel Canto Rega and Rogue. 

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