Separates vs Integrated
Hi, my current set up consists of a Coda 07x Pre, Krell 300 XD Duo. I almost exclusively stream with a Lumin U2 mini with S-Booster feeding a PS Audio Direct Stream MKii.
I get drawn into thinking a really well done Integrated could be as good or better, something like the Hegel H600. Logic being the synergy the Hegel should have outweighing the potential debatable benefits of separates. Taking out of the equation my current set up has more flexibility, assuming I would likely keep the Lumin, crazy to think the integrated would match my current set up?
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- 37 posts total
In my earlier system I went all the way up the Naim amplifier chain to the NAP 500DR and the 552DR together with the 101 tuner. Between them they took up a helluva lot of rack space and with the separate power supplies a helluva lot of cables. A chance discussion at Munich some years ago motivated me to try a Vitus SIA 025, despite my doubts about its power output. The Vitus sound quality was significantly better and the power output was entirely adequate..The decluttering benefits and cable demands were very welcome. A couple of years ago I upgraded to the Vitus SIA 030 which is even better though obviously more expensive. I have not heard the integrated Vitus Reference series in my home,but only at demos and they too are very good, but not as good as the Signature series I have or had, which reflects their lower price. Here in the UK the Vitus integrated amps hold their value well which is a big plus. Depreciation can be very costly when you come to upgrade. Vitus do have their separate pre and power amps, but I am entirely happy with my integrated 030.
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Integrated amps have the advantage of being “integrated” by experts ( you would expect). Whereas you have to integrate separates. That provides flexibility but the flip side is there are more possible outcomes that are not all equal. I am not an expert. With separates it took some trial and error to end up at a better place. Integrated amp technology has come a long way. Definitely the lower risk option. |
@jsalerno277 awesome you are in the Burmester club, its awesome gear and imo will run with the best of them |
My destination integrated is a Dartzeel CTH 8550 MK2. = Close to Heaven 85% of the separates at 50% the price. For what you get with a great phono stage at $43K it is a bargain. The SQ, to me, puts it in a class all by itself.
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- 37 posts total