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.
With integrated a lot depends on the manufacture. Some manufactures make great amps paired with so so pre amps integrated together. I have found this true in many cases by using an external pre amp and bypassing the integrated pre amp, case in point are Line Magnetic integrated's. With separates you can taylor the sound that you are after. What might seem like a mismatch might put you in audio heaven. |
I’ve also pretty much always used separates and tubed ones at that. That said there are some fantastic integrateds out there these days. My dealer carries some from Synthesis in Italy that sound great and are solid values as well. If you do go the integrated route try to get a unit that has pre-outs that way you can always try a separate power amp down the road. |
The Kanta 3 in a proper room certainly deserves the best. What specifically about speaker choice? Your commitment to getting the best out of what you have without compromise. I would feed those with what I used. Cary SLP98 and a Parasound A21+. Next step after that would be tube mono-blocks. |
russ69: thanks, i'll certainly look into Cary. at the moment i'm running the Parasound phono into the Rogue Cronus Magum 3 integrated. i wouldn't necessarily say i have complaints, but down the road if i'm looking to step up, i was just curious what direction made the most sense. I got a terrific deal on the kantas and am gradually upgrading the rest of the system to catch up with them. |
Integrated amps have changed a lot in the last ten years, they have gotten a lot better. The $10K range is the real sweet spot in them. I have recently auditioned the Pass Int-60 (?), Luxman 509, and Audio Research I-50. $10K, $10K, $6K. They all sound quite good for their price. To me… if you are building an audiophile system (which means you can never afford to buy what you want.. then they are not an option. You want to be able to upgrade a single component at a time… and an integrated is not going be as good as separates… OK, maybe not never because a two chassis solution will sound better because of greater isolation, but will cost more because of redundant parts. So, it can be real difficult theoretical trade off. So, taken together, this all says, it depends. What is the house sound you like? You would choose the Luxman, Pass, or Audio Research based on their sound. The Audio Research just took me away, into the music, the Pass made my foot tap and really get into the music… the Luxman left me appreciate looking at the pretty knobs but not listening to the sound. For the money, integrates can sound great, but not a good choice if you plan a better system. |
