I would, only consider separates should I think of going to a tube pre and an SS amp. Otherwise I like to keep things with the same DNA. Less is more. ICs, power cords, too many things that can affect what, otherwise, could be nirvana. Shortest distance between two points is a straight line. I would go with the best integrated I could afford. IMHO, warren :)
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.
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.