2. amps-preamps
  3. 176198-10803

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
joey54
434 posts
 

One other integrated to consider is the Aesthetix Mimas integrated. You can add a phono card and a DAC card but they are both optional. When I bought mine I compared, in my system, Hegel 360, Luxman 590, Ayre AX-5/20, Ayre EX-8. I almost bought the EX-8 as I liked that one the best until I heard the Mimas. It’s extremely musical with great dynamics and a very detailed midrange. I have the DAC  card in mine and will be adding the phono card next. Overall  the best integrated I’ve heard. I had Aesthetix separates for many years as well as a balanced pair of Quicksilver V4's with a Calypso preamp before going with an integrated amp. First the Ayre AX-7e and then the Mimas. All great sounding products but I find the Mimas a great fit in my current system. Also, unlike some the products suggested, Aesthetix gear is easily serviced in the US should any issues arise. I would not go back to separates for any reason now.

If you have a dealer who will let you try it in your system I would recommend it. Good Luck!

mike4597
113 posts
 

I am about go with the Rogue Audio Pharaoh II integrated to replace my Rogue RP-1 preamp and McIntosh MC2120–I am the Mc’s original owner since 1980 and had it refurbed about ten years ago.  I’m driving Fyne Audio F702s from Apple Lossless and a NAD C568, via a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC.  The speakers sound great but not quite as good as at the dealer’s, where it they were driven by a 250+ watt amp.  They really “open up” at moderately high volume, so I think a bit more power would be helpful.   The soundstage is wonderful in terms of depth and lateral dispersion, and I am actually hearing things in well- known pieces that I did. It hear in my earlier system—NAD C356BEE driving Infinity Modulus satellites (with EMIT tweeter) with a sub. Also, one less piece of equipment, and a bit less expensive, with the Pharaoh II at 250 wpc vs their DragoN at 300 wpc. Once I make the move, I’ll give a report.

rick2000
464 posts
 

New HiFi Rose RA-180 Integrated amp  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnHjpKpwtBk

almos11
2 posts
 

I have a Line Magnetic 518 set integrated. My best , and last integrated high quality

amplifier connected to old Sony 333 esd , tube output modified cd player.

aberyclark OP
1,381 posts
 

 

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