I am about go with the Rogue Audio Pharaoh II integrated to replace my Rogue RP-1 preamp and McIntosh MC2120–I am the Mc’s original owner since 1980 and had it refurbed about ten years ago. I’m driving Fyne Audio F702s from Apple Lossless and a NAD C568, via a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC. The speakers sound great but not quite as good as at the dealer’s, where it they were driven by a 250+ watt amp. They really “open up” at moderately high volume, so I think a bit more power would be helpful. The soundstage is wonderful in terms of depth and lateral dispersion, and I am actually hearing things in well- known pieces that I did. It hear in my earlier system—NAD C356BEE driving Infinity Modulus satellites (with EMIT tweeter) with a sub. Also, one less piece of equipment, and a bit less expensive, with the Pharaoh II at 250 wpc vs their DragoN at 300 wpc. Once I make the move, I’ll give a report.
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?