2. amps-preamps
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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 lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,100 posts
 

I have ditched the separates 2.5 years and don’t regret one bit. As @2psyop pointed out, finding the ‘right’ integrated is the key. For my preferences and the system, Accuphase E-650 turned out to be the perfect stable mate. I believe Accuphase is one the very few integrated’s that gives you the flexibility of user upgradeable phono and DAC options.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,100 posts
 

“I would be curious if someone did a blind test between separates and integrated if they could hear the difference. If they can hear the difference, what would they hear? They would need to use a manufacturer that manufactures separates as well as integrated.”

@larry5729

I knew sooner or later someone going to show up here suggesting ‘blind’ testing regime. Let me just say, the premise of blind testing is flawed as it does not work for music or the equipment in question. It actually test something else - the tester himself and his abilities 😊

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,100 posts
 

@aberyclark 

Well, there is a E-650 available on USAM. It comes with a phono module. You can always get the DAC module later :-)  If you end up getting E-650, you will be pleasantly surprised how good is the $1K phono module. The AD-50 phono board in my E-650 was more than adept in conveying Hana’s Umami Red gorgeous sound. In fact, the AD-50 offered much better synergy over a $2500 E.A.T. E-glo S phono preamp with external power supply. 

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