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 brianh61

brianh61
84 posts
 

I have been back and forth over the last 25 years as I worked my way up the food chain. I also saved for many years to be able to build out a completely new gear system. I retired what was my then current main separates system to the Family room. VAC CLA1 MKII Pre Amp with an Odyssey Stratos+ (that ended up in place when my Counterpoint NPS-400 left the house)

I wanted something more simple for my wife to use as well as not worrying about the tubes, extra ICs and PCs. I wanted something with HT Bypass as I integrate my main 2CH into my HT system. I wanted a decent Phono section because my wife just bought me a Rega P3.

Due to budget restrictions and retirement in mind, I decided on the Luxman 505UX MKII, a Rotel 1572, and Fyne Audio F502SPs with the Rega.

As you can see, there is a large love for the newer Luxman gear. Even the A/B units are still Class A up to 6 Watts. The sound and control is excellent. The Phono is excellent for built in. I only run Line Straight. Every time I try and use Tone Controls or Loudness, I always come back to Line Straight. There if you need to play with them. It also has a full Tape Loop and Meters that don't tell you a damn thing but look cool.

I recommend any of the Lux's

More to discover