user poll on seperates vs integrated
Hey guys, I wanted to try and crowd-source some (likely very opinionated, unscientific) knowledge. I've read about the benefits of separates (have only ever used integrated myself), and I'm wondering how those benefits compare to the benefits of higher end parts/assembly, when controlled for cost.
To put it more plainly, would you likely get better overall results from a $5000 preamp and $5000 amp, or from a $10,000 integrated, given the likely quality/components used in equipment in those price ranges.
If you're experienced both separates, and integrated amps that cost the equivalent of those separate parts added together, can you speak to which you preferred?
Thanks for weighing in.
@chrisryanhorner I remember who gave that advice but it shouldn't sway you, it was a "big spender", I think if you buy used, you can get good monoblocks for less than that. If my budget was 10K I would definitely try Parasound. And since I am not too sophisticated, I would explore integrated for sure. |
nonoise: that technics unit you mentioned is beautiful, i'd definitely take a look at that one.
yeah echoing your statement, i hear a lot lately about how far integrated amps have come. the thing is that the audio press essentially only print positive reviews, so it's hard to ever tell what is or isn't the way to go. when i was purely considering separates, i was looking at parasound, bel canto, primaluna, rogue, as those had separates in my budget that were pretty well-reviewed, but those are all kind of mid-budget mainstays and i was curious what else was out there. for the same money if i was looking at integrated units, particularly if i start looking at open box deals, dealer trade-ins etc, i could be looking at things like esoteric, or BAT, whose separates are way out of my budget so i hadn't otherwise considered them.
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I’ve read about the benefits of integrateds (have only used separates since my first integrated, which is still in use.) Came back from monoblocks for convenience. Of most importance beyond usefulness to me is the feature set - RC everything (balance, mono, tape loop, etc.), processor loop(s), balanced in/out, at least 5 inputs, etc. If I must have tube sound a myriad of buffers get me close enough, love my FOZ SSX. Much better Fosgate sound than the cheap SS unit that it replaced. I do enjoy two tube headphone amps, both have SS output stages. Most of the time I listen to ESLs through RC DACs feeding Class D SS power. I can play HiFi music 24/7 @ under 20 watts out of the wall.
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Ok .. A year plus ago my budget was 15-16K. I purchased a McIntosh MA-12000, but suffered with room placement in that the equipment rack is between speakers, whereas a preamplifier and separate power amps would have allowed for the equipment rack along a side wall and balanced interconnects to the power amplifiers. Separates with added interconnects would have been of higher cost, but the dealer suggested that performance was also improved. I’m happy with what I have, but should have considered separates. |
