Amp placement when switching from separates to integrated


Hello, all. I've long had my amp as the only piece of equipment on the same wall as my speakers, with long interconnects running to the preamp, which, with the rest of my gear, sits on a rack on one of the sidewalls. If I wanted to try out an integrated, is there nothing to be done besides repositioning the equipment rack between the loudspeakers?

If folks who've done this could weigh in, I'd really appreciate hearing how it worked out. Did it ruin your soundstage? And, yes, should it matter for your answers, I have a turntable, and use it often.

Thanks.

-- Howard

hodu
I haven't found putting things between he speakers ruins the sound stage so much as adds a great deal of harshness.  This can be ameliorated by adding absorbers on the sides, and floor around the area.

It is always a good idea IMHO to add carpets between and behind the speakers.
Keep the rack in the same position and run longer speaker cables from the integrated to the speakers!
For best sound i have my rack(Symposium Osiris) on the other end of my listening room.I would never go to integrated amp as none sound as good as a great preamp and amp. Good luck though.
A rack between the speakers isn’t too detrimental as long as it’s placed a good couple feet behind the plane of the baffles and an open-shelf design. If the integrated or other gear have large faceplates, sticking a few of those felt furniture feet on them can mitigate reflections. With enough care in setup, I’ve found that components can actually aid in diffraction. The long speaker cables that a bare/flat wall might necessitate are a bigger detriment to system resolution IME.
Thanks for your responses, all. You know what's funny, @yogiboy? That had never even occurred to me!
Speaker cables need be kept short, even more so than interconnects. To experience this for yourself, buy some zip cord at the local hardware store. Try 8’ runs vs 16’ or more.