2. amps-preamps
  3. 176198-10803

After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?

I'm rethinking my listening room. I want my audio rack to be more minimalist vs lots of boxes, wires, and clutter. I know separates, in general, will sound better. However, at the level of my system, I'm not certain the difference would be as apparent. In the grand scheme of things of Audiophilia, my level of components are mid-fi at best (BHK Pre, First Watt J2, Elac PPA-2 phono, Pro-ject s2 Dac, ZU Omen Defs)

I'm favoring one of the Luxman Class A's (I know Luxman is getting out of the Class A business. The only way I would favor a built-in Dac is if it were upgradable like McIntosh or Accuphase. I'm guessing a Luxman or Mac built-in phono would sound just as good as to what I have now (Elac PPA-2).

So the question is, who else has gone to integrated? Do you regret the move or are you glad you did?

 

aberyclark

Showing 1 response by 213runnin

213runnin
914 posts
 

I gave up on separates. You must have the correct cables, you must have the correct tubes and to get synergy with all the components was so much fun. (Sarcasm). Then, the system must be running for a half an hour before it sounded it’s best. Plus for me using all Schiit gear, You have to reach the back of each unit to find the power switch, and they have so few features.

So I went with an integrated from a brand I used to know, Parasound. The Hint 6.  160 wpc.  Built in dac, phono, headphone amp and analog bass management for a sub.  Plus a lot of other features, but the sonics are quite good.  Recently I found out it made Stereophile’s recommended list for 2020.  

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