user poll on seperates vs integrated

You really want hi end sound.....Tube pre with a good Class D amp...The Audio-GD HE-1 XLR @ 4k is the best sounding pre that the Part Time Audiophile has Ever heard. the 10 tubes may be part of the reason. Also has its own regenerative power supply built in...I combined that with the ever popular GaN 400 watt Peachtree Amp and it’s perfect synergy. And synergy is what its all about, good luck. If you can afford an Aavik integ. class D amp. go for it. Awsome sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a lot more to invest in with separates, 1) cables 2) power cords 3) space, the trade offs considering the current state of high end components might be minimal. I’ve also talked to some very knowledgeable people about the benefits of mono blocks….very little if any according to them. Not trying to stir anything up but some things to consider. Myself, I have separates, and one amplifier, not really by design but collecting and upgrading my system over the years. Separate components do give you the ability to do that, and that might be worth it. 

It would be interesting to see a "shoot out" of integrated vs separates in, say, the $10k-$15k price range.  This would need to take into consideration the TOTAL cost of ownership including appropriate cabling, etc.  The additional cost of cabling could be an additional $1k-$3k, so it IS a factor in the total investment.

That being said, all things being (roughly) equal, the integrated has clear advantages in the bang-for-the-buck category.  From a manufacturer's perspective, there are real costs that effect the ultimate sales price that have to be factored in.

Comparing ONE component vs TWO, here are some considerations: (In the case of mono amps, substitute THREE in place of TWO)

2 chassis

2 faceplates

2 on/off switches

2 sets of service literature

2 sets of packing materials

2 shipping cartons

2 items to warehouse/store

2 boxes to ship and handle

2 sets of promotional materials.  Even if not in print, still needs to be developed separately

Etc.

I have separates.  The justification is mostly intangible. 

 

There is no comparison… separates are better. 
if price is an issue take a look at Parrasound.  Great value there 

I would say those claiming cheap separates (Parasound) are better than Integrated by Circle Labs, Norma Audio, Simaudio, Soulnote…are simply wrong. I will put a Norma IA-140 against any lower end separates system.