Spent late 2002 and most of 2003 upgrading after 8 years with the same set up. Many purchases (all used so loss on the resale was not really a factor) racking up a 99 rating on Audiogon (33 transactions). Final separate system consisted of Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Monitors, a Bryston 4Bsst, ARC Ls16MkII, Levenson No. 360 DAC, Theta Jade Transport, Interconnects and digital cables out the wazoo. Wife would not use the set up due to "too many buttons and switches to navigate" and when I looked at the system in the rack it just was not pleasing.
In October I decided to downsize and wound up with a CJ CAV-50 Integrated, Shanling modified CD-T100, Nordost I/C's and speaker cable and kept the Linnbrooks. Could not be happier with the sound quality, equipment placement, financial investment and my wife will actually use the system.
Not knocking separates and would actually agree that in general a separate system has more benefits, tweeking flexability, power potential to use a wide range of speakers and all other arguments. Just for me the benefits of a integrated system and single CDP out-weighed the other factors without any real loss in sound quality (again my ears).
Those above and in various posts who advise to audition as much equipment as possible and develope a system that fits your needs and most importantly your ears are right on the mark.
Just my opinion.
In October I decided to downsize and wound up with a CJ CAV-50 Integrated, Shanling modified CD-T100, Nordost I/C's and speaker cable and kept the Linnbrooks. Could not be happier with the sound quality, equipment placement, financial investment and my wife will actually use the system.
Not knocking separates and would actually agree that in general a separate system has more benefits, tweeking flexability, power potential to use a wide range of speakers and all other arguments. Just for me the benefits of a integrated system and single CDP out-weighed the other factors without any real loss in sound quality (again my ears).
Those above and in various posts who advise to audition as much equipment as possible and develope a system that fits your needs and most importantly your ears are right on the mark.
Just my opinion.