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 3 responses by jpan

jpan
145 posts
 

I explored moving from my Pass XP-22 and XA-60.5s to the INT 60. (I also have the XP-17 phono stage.)

So, I reached out to Kent @Pass for his thoughts. (I've know him for a quite while.) He basically said it could be viable but in terms of sonic bliss, body and weight the integrated wouldn't match those separates. So, I decided to keep 'em separated.

I think, like most of this stuff, it really depends on the room, your speakers and the rest of your gear.

However if I were just starting out, I would go the integrated route and build around it. We can debate whether they equal separates in terms of sonics, but they can certainly be more economical.

jpan
145 posts
 

"If you wish to retire your Pass power amp (if you had it) at 1/3 price, I will take it.  Let me know please."

I've been down this road. I had an Aleph 5 that I still kick myself for selling.

I doubt I'll ever part with the XA-60.5s. I'm not one to keep gear when I've made a decision to move on, but those mono blocks will be an exception.

"Whatever you do we all cheer for you."

I appreciate this sentiment and share it. There a many paths to striving for audio nirvana.

jpan
145 posts
 

"Did he recommend or say anything about the INT 250?"

No, he did not. He only ended by saying, You know John Atkinson said the XA-60.5 is the best-sounding amp he's ever used...

"One would never know until he listens to the gear in the system."

True, absolutely. 

 

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