Several years ago, I had to move from a very large listening space, to a smaller listening space. In the smaller room, I determined that, even though I still held on to my large, full range speakers, that space consuming separates were no longer an option. My speakers are pretty inefficient and I need a high powered and high current amp to drive them properly. I ended up going with the incredible Hegel H590 integrated amp. With the H590, I can honestly say that I don't miss separates at all. The Hegel H590 is an absolute beast!!!
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.
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- 99 posts total
@som Pathos, McIntosh, Vincent, Copeland, Unison, Canor, Circle Labs, Prima Luna. A lot of options out there many are really outstanding. |
”In my opinion, regardless of whether it's an integrated, or separates, it all starts with the power supply. Assuming it's overbuilt and done well, separates have their own discrete power supplies, with mono amps or true dual mono designs being the best. At the end of the day, how good a piece of gear sounds is directly related to its power supply” ” …. I’d also say it depends on the level of integrated you are looking at.…
+1 on both posts.
think GRYPHON , REGA and other quality hi-end builds . I’m most familiar with my REGA OSIRIS REGA OSIRIS POWER SUPPLY DEETS The Osiris uses two low noise, purpose designed 400 VA toroidal transformers using high-grade, fully bonded core material. The transformers are mounted to the chassis using Rega’s innovative mounting technique which eliminates noise being transferred from the transformer to the case when the transformers are operating under arduous mains (line) conditions with high levels of asymmetric mains (line) distortion. These transformers combined with 40,000 Micro Farads of Rega K-Power smoothing capacitors per channel, provide more than enough current to drive the hardest of loads. All the power supplies utilise fast recovery rectifier diodes throughout. (Fast diodes generate less high frequency switching noise therefore giving rise to a cleaner DC). The input and low-level driver stages are fed from a regulated symmetrical tracking power supply with a low noise voltage reference, which provides a fully stabilised low noise voltage, ensuring the highest level of sonic purity. All the dedicated audio power supplies feed only the audio circuits. The input switching, display & micro controller and protection circuits have their own dedicated supplies, keeping the audio signal path as pure as possible.
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@recklesskelly There are definitely options out there. Unison has a nice range of hybrid units at a decent price that sound really good. Now in my situation I also “need” 2 balanced inputs (I could get by with one using an external switch) so now my options are even smaller. In my case it was much easier integrating a separate pre. |
- 99 posts total