Something I'd like to comment on is the DAC. While I generally think integrated is a sound decision given the circumstances described, the idea of modular DACs does not seem to keep up with the actual evolution of DACs - at least in the case of the McIntosh DA2, which is what I have in my C2700. This is a lovely preamp, don't get me wrong, and I convinced myself that I was saving money when I initially bought into the built-in, yet modular philosophy - however - I suspect that McIntosh is not truly keeping up with DAC evolution. The DA2 is now 2-1/2 years old and let's think about how many times the DAC throne has been "overthrown" in that period. Understanding McIntosh can not reasonably be expected to make available in real-time a state of the art DAC on a small board that slots into the back of your pre-amp or integrated amp, it does seem reasonable that upgrades would come along on a 2-yr cycle so that those who buy-into the modular concept feel current and are more-importantly achieving peak performance. An amazingly long-winded way of saying I agree of your leanings but carefully consider your DAC use-case.
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?
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- 210 posts total
- 210 posts total