Perhaps audiophiles can correct my thinking on two or three counts:
(1) I thought power output was significant, thus the number of 250-400wpc amps on the market, but many of these integrated amps have 10-40wpc … are they designed for smaller speakers? Or to be used with a power amp (in which case what’s the benefit of “integrated”?) I listen to refurbished Ohm Walsh 4’s.
(2) I thought a high quality optical cable was one of the best ways to connect inputs but many of the recommended units lack that connection. As for “balanced” inputs the amp may accept them, but many input devices do not. What’s best?
(3) Many of these units have minimal controls, even on their remotes. For example, after volume and input selection, I want balance control (to adjust to where I sit in my 20’ x 30’ room, and subwoofer level control (since recordings seem to vary wildly in the bass range). Yet none (including the remote for my Parasound Halo) have them. Why not?
(1) I thought power output was significant, thus the number of 250-400wpc amps on the market, but many of these integrated amps have 10-40wpc … are they designed for smaller speakers? Or to be used with a power amp (in which case what’s the benefit of “integrated”?) I listen to refurbished Ohm Walsh 4’s.
(2) I thought a high quality optical cable was one of the best ways to connect inputs but many of the recommended units lack that connection. As for “balanced” inputs the amp may accept them, but many input devices do not. What’s best?
(3) Many of these units have minimal controls, even on their remotes. For example, after volume and input selection, I want balance control (to adjust to where I sit in my 20’ x 30’ room, and subwoofer level control (since recordings seem to vary wildly in the bass range). Yet none (including the remote for my Parasound Halo) have them. Why not?