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Opinions needed; which is a better choice and why?

My integrated amp died so I am now in the market for a replacement. I have always owned integrated amps, but have contemplated an PreAmp/Amp combo. I am interested in what is a better choice a high quality integrated amp or a preamp/amp combo? What are the pros and cons of either? In addition I would like to spend the same amount of money with either choice does this factor into the equation?
Thanks
meby
south43
386 posts
 
Hello Meby, I have been reading about your quest and it looks like you have getting some good advise. My two cents: If you can try to audition some of the Meadowlark audio spkrs. I have the Kestrals and to me one of the best bang for the buck items out there. I'm also glad you enjoyed the AR gear. I have a LS7 that I really enjoy. I believe there is a used one at Jeffs sound values. He is on Agon and great to deal with. Godd luck with your search.
meby OP
46 posts
 
South43,
How would you describe the sound of the LS7? I have read that the sound of older AR equipment is very different from that of the latest gear. I am planning on auditioning the Meadowlark speakers unfortunately I have a two hour drive for that. I have heard many people praise their build quality and sound.
Thanks,
south43
386 posts
 
Hi Meby, I cannot comment on the latest gear from AR however my LS7 replaced a Anthem pre2L I had. It a musical pre that tells me what my front end is doing. Currently using some tungsram tubes that are very good. I would like to tweak the coupling caps with some infini caps if I can find them. That drive will be well worth it because the Kestrals do sound great. Well built spkrs that love tubes. Let me know what you think.
tweekerman
473 posts
 
JADIS ORCHESTRA 40 WATT INTERGRATED WITH KT90 TUBES. A amp you will be very happy with for a very long time.(ie. no upgrades necessary) BUT here's the catch you will need high quality cdp and speakers. Reason is the amp exposes all weaknesses in all other equipment. So yea total investment is more than your $4K budget. But if you could....
meby OP
46 posts
 

Since I am a newbie to the higher end of audio do you all think I should stay away from a Transport/DAC combo and go with a single box solution for my source? Am I justified in my hesistance to mess with all of that extra cabling and jitter reduction, clock locking etc. or is it worth the trouble?
I am strating to see why the source is one of the most important components! I could not believe the difference between the Linn Genki and the ARC CD3, to my ears the Linn lacked the inner detail of the ARC.
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