Integrateds: Why do they all SUCK?


I’m trying to find a HIGH QUALITY integrated that has:
1. A no-corners-cut real class A - A/B power stage.
2. A real, high quality analog preamp line stage.
3. A good phono stage.

Aside from a few very high end products, the above described integrateds seem not to exist. Why can’t I find a quality integrated? Do we just have to accept having a pile of boxes?
madavid0

Showing 1 response by trelja

Well, apart from the bumpy road he's left behind, @madavid0 does make a point.  Many integrateds often serve as the entry level products in a company's amplification lineup.

You can find some truly good sounding solid state offerings from the UK that meet your criteria.  Not surprising, the smaller living spaces push folks toward more compactness in their audio systems.

On the tube side, I and a lot of other people could live with a VAC Avatar for the long haul.  You'll have to search pretty hard to find separates that outdo it.

I could list some other products, but they don't offer a phono stage