2. amps-preamps
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Are the performance of separates worth the price?

I am considering the purchase of an integrated amp or combination pre-amp/amp from the same manufacturer - both are based on similar technology. The separates will cost approximately 45% more. Can I expect the performance to justify the price?

Additional info:

Considering the soon to be released Jeff Rowland Concerto Integrated vs. Concerto Pre-Amp and Model 201 Monoblocks (or) the BAT VK-300x Integrated vs. BAT VK-31se and the BAT VK-250.

My speakers are Vienna Acoustics - Beethovens

Thanks

mjcpas
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I think you'll find the law of diminishing returns are in order. You may pay 45% more, but you won't get a 45% improvement in sound. It gets very expensive trying to chase that last 5% or so of sonic nirvana. Is it worth it? That all depends on who you ask.
If you're set on staying with the same manufacturer of preamp and amp, I'd recommend to just go ahead and get the integrated. The Beethovens are a relatively easy load, so it's not like you have to have a beast of an amp.

Cheers,
John
jzzmn88
58 posts
 
I would have to agree with the above post, especially concerning the Jeff Rowland integrated amp. I have heard it, and it comes very, very close to the performance of the JR separates. However, if you have one source such as a CD player that can play through an amp directly, I feel that you may be better off going in that direction instead. Good luck with your purchase!
piezo
302 posts
 
the integrateds get rid of the cost and sonic influence of interconnects so there is a big gain there. The integrates do tend to be on the low end of the power spectrum and tend to not be high current amps from what i've experienced. that can present issues with hard to drive speakers
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