Integrated Amps: How Good?

The owner of Bel Canto did recommend buying the SETi40 over the seperate SEP1 preamp and SET 40 amp. He said it is probably more transparent than having two boxes. I'm not saying that every manufacturer can say the same thing, but he did, and the SETi40 is cheaper too...he wasn't upselling me.

Integrateds are very good these days. When I was in the market for a new tube power amp, I was struck by the sound of the Jadis integrated I came across. While I was initially leary of purchasing an integrated, I could find NO better amp(int or power) at this price point($3K to $5K). Needless to say I bought it. Soon afterward I read the manufacturer's comments on the ML integrated. Their position was that unless the a perfect match was attained by the interconnect, the new integrated would be superior in sound to their equivalents separates. All that, at about half the price.

Another point I would like to bring up, when thinking of going to an integrated from separates, we have to deal with the "mental aspect". It seems some, I include myself, have to fight the mentality that we would be down grading if going to an integrated. After all, how will it look if I have an "integrated"? *grin*

I recently switched from Pass preamp/phono/power amp to a one box Rowland Concentra and I'm still smiling. I'm of the opinion that unless you have a special need (low efficiency, low impedance speakers), or you absolutely have to have the best, then an integrated amp is the way to go.

If you are open to considering other solidstate integrateds, you might add the Goldmund SRI2 (appears used on the 'gon) and either of the Bow Tech integrateds to your list. Because the Virgos can sound thin in the midbass with the wrong equipment, you should not skimp on power. Both of these integrated amps would yield a warmer sound, which can ameliorate the Virgo's tendency to sound a bit clinical or dry. My recommendation would be the SRI2 for its speed and musicality.