"SPECS, ATTRIBUTES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INTEGRATED AMP TO CONSIDER"

Hey Joscow,

Integrateds are usually physically smaller than standalone amps + preamps and the one way in which that usually matters is in the power supply and current delivery.  What this means is that they may not drive the most difficult speaker loads as well.  Integrateds which double wattage from 8 to 4 Ohms is good, but so is matching them to relatively benign speaker loads.

I personally use one with a separate DAC/streamer specifically so I can swap that out whenever I feel like it.  Parasound and Accuphase among others have done a decent job with the built-in DAC's but others like NAD you should listen to them before deciding. I mean, that could be said about anything.

If you decide to get a combination integrated + streamer it's always good to know what the user interface is like and whether it supports your remote devices (Android vs. iPhone).

I use Roon which requires a separate core, but gives me complete device coverage and very nice integration with Qobuz and Tidal and my personal library.

One feature I wish my Cayin A88T mark 1 (16 ohm taps) had was external bias meter and adjustments.

I use my Vintage Preamp’s many features that are missing on most modern integrated, so I only use 1 input and remote volume/mute of the Integrated. If no preamp, I would want remote balance and a Stereo/Mono Mode. If balance is remote, that’s a wonderful feature to tweak a track, just a little can make a big difference.

If you can bridge it for Mono, you have the option of doubling your power IF you find some inefficient speakers you love. Just an option you may never use.

If you're looking for an integrated with the ability to drive many speakers, a capable on-board dac and streaming, you might take a look at Hegel H390 or H590.