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 jazzman7

jazzman7
361 posts
 

+1 and highest recommendations for both Coda Integrated and for Mike Kay of Audio Archon.  

Been using Coda CSiB v1 - 150 watts into 8 ohms per channel with first 18 watts in Class A since acquiring one 3 months ago to pair with Thiel CS 2.4s which are not the easiest speakers to drive (wicked impedance curve, dropping down to something like 2.7 ohms at 600 hz). The CSiB drives them with ease. Prior to the Coda had been listening with Bryston amp pre amp combo - 3Bst amp and BP20 preamp, no complaints, and 18 years of good listening; but the CSiB is a big jump up in class. Simply effortless handling of those notoriously hard to drive Thiels.

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