Hey all,
this discussion is really helpful. I am in the situation where I am about to upgrade my speakers but also really looking to have less gear and an integrated is intriguing.
I currently have SF Electa Amitor ii’s and either going to get some used sf serifino g2’s or the Franco Serblin Accordo essences. Not apples to apples speakers but they both sound amazing to me. I have also had an arc 160s and 6se that have been great. Both lovely pieces of tube gear but just too physically big. I have debated the tube pre and ss power setup but I just prefer to stay with tubes.
I also got an Ayon audio cd/dac that can act as a pre if I want to. It sounds good with decent function.
given the gear I have, do you think I would be happy with an integrated? Or maybe just get a tube amp and run the Ayon as my pre? Of course with separates, you can always change later, but an integrated would help me lose a box and potentially get something smaller overall. Running the Ayon as a pre would of course give me 1 less box and open up lots of amp options.
I personally have really enjoyed being specific with my phono preamp and would not consider running with the phono pre in an integrated unless it was fantastic.
thanks.