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2-3K, Integrated or Seperates

Hello all, I'm considering assembling a secondary system on a budget. I think all most would agree that seperate pre and power amps are the way to go if you have the money to spend.

In the price range up to 3000, there are a bunch of really nice integrated amps out there. What do people think, at this price point would you be better off with a very good integrated, or seperates?

I'm thinking of using this system in a relatively small space with stand or shelf mounted monitors.

Thanks
bmdduck
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think 3K integrated should always be better than 3K separates, and probably are. That is, at the same price points the integrated should have better parts with lower chassis costs, and cabling costs compared with similarly priced separates, especially at the lower end of the price spectrum. If you were considering a low cost passive attenuator for your pre with a more expensive amp to equal the price point, you might be better with the separates.
dog_or_man
68 posts
 
As with all things, it depends on what you want. The upside of separates, it seems to me, is that you can upgrade one and keep the other, at least for awhile. The upside of integrateds is that you'll get more functionality out of the same budget.

For three-k you can get some pre-owned stuff that would totally kick butt in either camp. One other thing to consider is whether you like your music warm or snappy. In my opinion, the quick-tempo'ed detail freaks out there (like me) are better off with separates, while the lush, rosy sonic palettes have a lot more choices for integrateds. Someone's going to pounce on that, but it is my experience.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
thinking out of the box...a new musical designs amp and pre
natewalker_2006
30 posts
 
>I'm thinking of using this system in a relatively small space with stand or shelf mounted monitors.

Hi Bmdduck,

Definitely take a peek at the Red Wine Audio Signature 30.2:
http://www.redwineaudio.com/Signature_30.2.html

It is definitely one the very best (if not "the" best) sounding in its price range.
For a small space, you probably don't want a separate preamp and power amp taking up space, not to mention the extra interconnects and power cords. The RWA is all about simplicity and is only 12" wide x 9" deep. Just add a good source and speakers and you'll be all set!

Good luck,

Nate
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I can't speak for the sound of the Red Wine as I have not heard it, but at the price point, using a passive attenuator for volume control on their integrated version(I think they use GoldPoint or DacT) seems like the best way to get the most bang for the buck and possibly the very best implementation of a passive pre as it does not require interconnects and should have minimal or no impedance matching issues. If the Red Wine sounds good and works well with your speakers, it should be very fine indeed and a good way to spend 2-3K
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