2. amps-preamps
  3. 1139691711

Integrated vs separates

I'm sure this has been asked many times here before but how do you all feel about integrated amps vs separates? I've heard many times, dollar for dollar, you can't beat the sound quality of a good integrated amp, but if ultimate performance is what you are after and cost is less of a concern then separates are superior. I guess what sort of confuses me is I have read reviews in the mags suggesting that integrated amps have an advantage simply because there is one less interconnect in the chain and the amp and preamp section are designed to be together. Others will say that dividing the amp and preamp into separate chassis will ultimately provide superior results (larger power supplies, less noise). I reallize this may be an over simplification of the issue.

The reason I ask is I have recently acquired rather efficient speakers (JM Lab Mini Utopias) that just don't need the power of larger separates. Could I possibly get BETTER sound by going with a good integrated or will the sound from an integrated be a compromise?

Current system: JM Lab Mini Utopias, Pass X-250 Amp, Pass X-1 Pre, Ayre CX-7e CD Player, Kimber 8TC Speaker Cable, Kimber Silver Steak Balanced Interconnects, PS Audio P300 Power Conditioner

Thanks for your input.
arch2

Showing 1 response by arch2

arch2 OP
92 posts
 
Thanks all for your responses! It's great to see different perspectives.

To answer your question Litespeedaudio the sound of the Mini Utopias with the Pass gear is fantastic, albeit a little lighter weight in the sub 45 hz but that's the speakers not the amp or pre. I have always preferred a tight, focused, some would say fast sound and that is indeed what I have. The reason for posting was sort of what Philjolet alluded to. Save some money in one place and apply in another (a sub for example). But I don't want to make a step backwards in sound quality to save money.
More to discover