Are integrated amps technically better than separates?

It all depends on the designer’s thesis. Some companies design to a pricepoint while others design to cover an inherent compromise. Others still design with a specific function in mind and then let form follow. There is no valid engineering reason that an integrated can’t be designed to perform in the typical domestic environment within its specifications to a degree that performance isn’t compromised. Once again though, most audiophiles don’t like to be constrained to particular speakers, cables, etc. When I read that someone built their system around a specific vacuum tube type, I get a little confused what it is they are after. Fine if its an engineering exercise in whats possible with the tube type being the constant. I believe its backwards but hey, you spend your money, you get to decide how.


Now, integrateds don’t check all the audiophile boxes unrelated to sound: its “cooler” for some reason to some who frequent here to introduce more complexity (both visually and physically) to satisfy some other urge than listening to music. We have all seen photos of these shrines where special ebony footers from one side of a particular river sound more “immediate” than the same wood sourced from the other side. More boxes and cables (and thus more variables) may bring joy to many.  Its all good if thats what floats a persons boat but to summarily dismiss the concept of an integrated as being inherently inferior to separates is too general and as in all things in life, the correct answer is “it depends”.

@cleeds 

I believe ASR uses external power supplies in their integrated. I have never heard one but it might be an example of form following function. In their opinion, getting the power noise separated must meet their design goals.

The answer, as in all things in life, is it depends.

 

A no compromise integrated vs like seperates (especially if from the same manufacturer) will always have the built-in compromise of a shared power supply. It may or may not be audible to you, depending on design and how hard the gear is pushed.

 

The trade-off thats quite nice is reduction of boxes, cords and interconnects. The trade off thats not so nice is less flexibility for upgrades going forward as well as the potential for interference internally. Its really personal preference unless you are trying to squeeze out the last 5-10% of potential performance. I’ve been happy with terrific integrateds and I’m now happy with terrific separates.