2. amps-preamps
  3. 146470-16123

Amp - preamp or integrated

This topic has appeared in the past but I like to hear audiophile suggestions specially if they honest. I currently have the Rogue Chronus Magnum II. With Vandersteen 2 sig. Soon I will sell the house and will have some extra $ for upgrades. I have 4 questions:

Is the amp/ pre amp a better way to go than integrated? Two choices Rogue and Parasound.
Is the mono blocks / preamp an even better way to go?
If I decide to go with mono blocks, due budget considerations , I will be looking at used or an small company/audio engineer where I can keep the cost under 3000. If I go with a small company product, how do I know it is a good quality prod. Vs big companies like Rogue etc?

All your comments to all or any of my questions is highly appreciated. Thanks
128x128lobinero

Showing 7 responses by lobinero

lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
I must clarify when I say " better way to go" it means sonically/ musically. 
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
Thanks lak3497. Your response make sense. I know of some good integrated amp but very expensive. I will probably go toward amp/ pre amp .
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
Are mono blocks any better? Its just separating the amplification into two units instead of one.
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
Jackd345 - thanks for your comments. However the Rogue CM does not have an out for subwoofer which IMHO is needed with the Vandys. The new CM does.
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
Pardon my ignorance, but how can I connect any sub(rythmik or REL) to the Rogue CM if there is no sub amplification. I dont understand what is to go line level?
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
So far I had my Vandys 2 sig for over 4 yrs. It seems im ready for a change or at least would be open to listen to others. Heard good things about the magnepans. They seem to require a good source or current which my Rogue CM did not supplied. So my dilemma is how much of my current equipment will I change. Is a good situation, albeit a stressy one since there are so many options. I believe that I should start with knowing how much of a budget I will have and going with amp/ preamp. Then if I like the way the vandys sound, keep them or then go with a dofferent brand. Too many x and Y.
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
11 posts
 
First, I estimate that my budget for new amp /pre amp or integrated will be around 5K after selling my Rogue Chronus Mag 2.  McIntosh would be out of range unless I get a good deal on used ones. 
My Rogue integrated although 4 yrs old, the tubes have low hrs. I barely put 10- 15 hrs per month. Short of 10k hrs they claim to last. Adding a subwoofer was brought up in this thread also. 
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