Is there a clear definition of what "Integrated" means?


Driver / input / output stages

Phono stages

Tone controls, source selections, balancers

 

Amps can have all or just some of these.

Is there one thing that must be included to be called an integrated?

 

clustrocasual

“A preamplifier, often abbreviated as preamp, is an electronic device that amplifies a weak electrical signal to a level that is strong enough to be processed by another device, such as a power amplifier or a recording equipment. Preamplifiers are commonly used in audio systems, home theaters, and recording studios to boost the low-level signals from various audio sources, such as microphones, turntables, and musical instruments. By amplifying these weak signals, preamplifiers help to ensure that the audio signal remains clear and free from noise and distortion as it is passed through the rest of the audio system. In addition to amplifying the audio signal, preamplifiers often include features such as equalization, tone control, and volume adjustment, which allow users to fine-tune the sound to their liking.”

Conrad Johnson calls their integrated amps Control Amps.  Basically a power amp with volume, balance , and input selector

My first Integrated Amp in a long time, the Cyrus i7XR also has a DAC .   Integrated Amps have come a long way and some are quite good.

My Dad has a McIntosh 8950 and it is a killer one box solution 

To merge both amplifier,and preamplifier.

myself being an ex Audio dealer  know brands components inside and out 

having spent years upgrading Loudspeakers , and Tech friends that do mods parts quality is far more important then a pretty case . One Huge mistakes people make is in the preamp section , a passive preamp or low quality $25 alps volume pot 

which is a Silver round can up behind the volume pot is a NOT !

it robs detail 100% find a resistive ladder to relay they are the best.

Not to confuse the issue, but for most sources (except a phono stage) a preamp is actually *decreasing* the signal to the amp. Sources like streamers, tuners, cassette decks, CD players, and DACs put out up to 2V on single ended RCA jacks, and up to 4V on XLR. These sources are always at "max" putting out from zero to the maximum voltage to the preamp. 

The preamp acts as a volume control by reducing (limiting) that signal going to the amp. i.e. The reason you need a preamplifier (stand alone or integrated) is so you don't blow the hell out of your speakers without having a volume control. 

On the other hand, a phono stage is doing considerable amplification of the weak signal coming from the cartridge. Back in the old days, separate phono stages were correctly called "phono amplifiers", not "phono preamplifiers". But that point seems to have been lost as many manufacturers call their phono stages "preamplifiers" regardless these days.