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Why the facination with integrated amps?

I don’t get it. Is it the manufacturers spotting a trend with the tail wagging the dog or does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?
Pros;
Less space
One less set of IC’s
In theory-one less chassis/case to pay for
Shorter signal paths possible
Can combine transformer/cap function
Cons;
Power supply interference/spuriae
Reduced Flexibility-can’t switch amp or preamp as easily or go to monoblocs
Less resonance control
Long history of lesser performance per measurements and long-term subjective listening
Less resale value if it turns out to be a fad
Less liklihood of an extremely high performing active preamp

I freely admit I am a skeptic. The industry-like so many others-looks for new market niches to move product. 
FWIW, the only integrateds I myself would care to audition would be from Esoteric and Luxman who have a long history of designing no-compromise (low-compromise) high-end integrateds. 

128x128fsonicsmith
mr_m
1,087 posts
 
Seems like the OP hasn't much to say with so much positive being said about integrated amps.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
From Preamp to amp Balanced Kimber KS1116 is seven meters. (23 feet.) since a speaker cable has to not only get to the middle back of the room, it has to get to the other side.. thus 27 feet.
glupson
1,794 posts
 
elizabeth,

You always impress me with your numbers. First it was number of records, now 7 meter interconnects. You  really play big numbers only.
glupson
1,794 posts
 
"Seems like the OP hasn’t much to say with so much positive being said about integrated amps."
I think that OP got the answer he was looking for. Integrated amps seem to be liked by many and not only as a recent marketing plot by manufacturers. So far, responders have given a variety of reasons why they like them and praised amplifiers in wide price range (roughly $1000 to $16000, without re-reading the thread).

In fact, it seems that everyone responding has had an integrated amplifier at some point, Even those who now prefer separates. Which makes "...new market niches to move product." probably not the case.

In short...

"...does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?"
Yes.
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
I might not have said this just a few years back, but these days I believe sound quality is not a good reason to not go with a good integrated amp. Solutions to the old problems of sticking too many circuits and large transformers in close proximity to each other in a single box seem to have been solved. Efficient Class D amps do not utilize traditional large power transformers to do their thing and in recent years it also appears the RF noise issues associated with the switching circuits have been resolved. My newer Class D integrated amps, both the Bel Canto C5i and the $80 Fosi are both dead quiet, easily among the quietest I have ever owned or heard.

I still run separates in my main rig, but when the time comes to replace that, I will most likely take the opportunity to downsize and go with a good modern integrated amp, very possibly another digital one like the C5i, but with a few more watts if needed. Definitely a Class D amp section. Maybe a tube pre-amp section, like a Rogue Pharoah, but leaning away from any tubes at all at this point.
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