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
nesto719
77 posts
 

Did it years ago and bought a Marantz Pm11s3 and love it  

chipito's avatar
chipito
10 posts
 

Since this issue is integrated compared to separates, and not necessarily brands, I will say that, yes, I did switch from reputable mid-priced separates (SS) to a tube int. amp with an up and coming reputation, I have observed.  The price of the separates was around the same as the int. amp.  The decision was immediate with the audition.  The tube int. was just much more musical in every way.  The separates were neutral sounding, using Tone Control to vary the sound output. My system is "cleaner" without the back wrenching effort to move the power amp when required. And I am happy!  

nesto719
77 posts
 

Did it years ago and bought a Marantz Pm11s3 and love it  

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jazzman7
347 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.

stereo_gen
60 posts
 

I'm all "in" for integrated amps. A couple of years ago I have purchased a Marantz 1180DC and 1152DC Integrated amps from the mid '70s in excellent condition and I'm very happy with the sound that coming out of my Klipsch Forte. These amps are built like a tank and are design to create and correct the sound you want for your music room.  Furthermore, while getting the 1152DC service my local Audio Service Tech of 40 years (yeah, we're in out 60s) was very impress with the quality parts that Marantz put into these amps comparing to other name brand integrates and receivers from this era and today.

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