2. amps-preamps
  3. 1128087547

Downsized and still happy, can it happen?

I would like to hear from those who have moved from separates to an integrated amp in their system and your experience in doing so. Any buyers remorse in selling the separates? Are you still running the integrated or now considering separates again? Do you still get the same level of satisfaction from the system? Which pre/power amp did you have and what integrated replaced them?

Lately I find myself constantly considering and researching high quality integrated amps and admiring them for the all in one solution. I have all these components, powercords, conditioners and interconnects that I could unload and then replace with fewer higher quality versions. That is pretty much what is driving me into this little sidebar consideration.
dlwask
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I just recommended to a friend what I thought would be a cool, decor friendly, and cost effective minimalist setup. A used Musical Fidelity CD/DAC/Pre or whatever it's called, an integrated cd player/preamp running line level into a pair of used Paradigm Reference Active speakers. Cool idea huh?
c123666
871 posts
 
I am getting ready to ditch the preamp entirely for a dedicated phono stage that will run directly into my amplifier which has two RCA inputs; one optimized for DAC output and the other for standard line level. The amp has a pair of quality stepped antenuators. It is the way to go. I am thinking of having Goldpoing build me a nice quality switch box (without their attenuator) so I don't have to keep plugging cables in and out as I have TV, DAC, phono, tuner, and cassette as sources.

IF your source matches to the impedance of your amplifier the best preamp is no preamp.
dlwask OP
270 posts
 
Hey Pehare, I just noticed your "new" system. Thats a change alright! Glad to hear you've found something you like better. I have heard the new Coincident (forgot model) with Manley this year at CES and they sounded great. Hopefully if I make a change I won't turn my entire system over. Ideally I could just combine pre and power amp (maybe phono stage too) into a single unit and keep the rest intact.
stanhifi
224 posts
 
>>IF your source matches to the impedance of your amplifier the best preamp is no preamp<<

Not true. Many sources benefit from a high quality linestage. Do some homework.
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
I believed that separates were superior until I bought a Creek 5350SE for a second system. The right integrated, mated with the right source and the right speakers is superior in many ways.
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