Separates vs Integrated


Hi, my current set up consists of a Coda 07x Pre, Krell 300 XD Duo.  I almost exclusively stream with a Lumin U2 mini with S-Booster feeding a PS Audio Direct Stream MKii.  
 

I get drawn into thinking a really well done Integrated could be as good or better, something like the Hegel H600.  Logic being the synergy the Hegel should have outweighing the potential debatable benefits of separates.  Taking out of the equation my current set up has more flexibility, assuming I would likely keep the Lumin, crazy to think the integrated would match my current set up? 
 

 

mm1tt77

Showing 3 responses by pindac

If the Separates Amplification System already in use is not satisfying your needs in the way the end sound being produced is able to be enjoyed. Especially if there is  something that is detectable and noticeable for being missing. Which through previous mails comments made in this Thread, I suspect there is something not quite to your unique preference. It does seem the idea of making a change is going to come to the forefront.

If the Pre' and Power Amp's are to be let go, the realistic remuneration will be approx' $11K, if the Used Sale Items go through smoothly.

Where are the advantages to be found from using a particular design for an  Integrated Amp. Firstly the Amps Schematic and Topology 'can be' one that is produced to take full advantage of the merits associated with a substantially shortened Signal Path.

Taking the Cheap Chassis Mounted Umbilical Connectors away from the Signal Path, or even the taking out of the Signal Path, the much more expensive types of Chassis Mounted Umbilical Connectors, undoubtedly has benefits for the Signal when being transferred through the Audio System have Voltage Gain added.

What is lost by removing Chassis Mounted Connectors between Amps is basically choice.

By the removal of Chassis Mounted Connectors, the Individuals Option of being able to make changes to the interface the Signal Path is dependent on is removed. The exchanges of Wire Types / Cable Construction Methods, usually seen under discussion are no longer readily available, neither is the option to Spend Monies to whatever budget can be allocated to infill the Signal Path between the Pre > Power Amplifiers Chassis Mounted Connectors.

The user of the Integrated Amplifier, when placed into the segment of Amp Usage that is limited to being an enthusiast for replaying recorded music through the use of  Audio Equipment, results in Trust needing to be put in place for the Designers choice made for the interface between Pre > Power section within the Integrated Amp. 

The Link will introduce the Sales Spiel and offer a description of a Design Intent for an Integrated Amplifier that is professing to have the Shortest of Signal Path as the utmost importance for the design.  

This Amp is relatively new to the Market, and as used Integrated Amplifier Purchase is approx' $18K. The predecessor design can be found for approx' $8K.

It is worth a read to reinforce where the merits of selecting an Integrated Amplifier  can be found.

FWIW, my retirement Amplifier will no longer be Valve Amplification, the new Amp to be used, will be a SS Design, that is to be a Commission Built model of a commonly seen DIY Build Kit Amp. The likelihood will be a Pre Amp will be built into the same Chassis as the Power Amp.      

A DIY Built Pre Amp at a cost of approx' £300  was the Pre-Amp chosen by an individual with a very expensive system.

At the time of trying out Pre Amp's, Branded Commercial designs had been used in the system up to £5K in value.

This same Pre Amp is still in use today about 3-4 Years on. The only change being very recently it has been co-joined in use by another DIY design for a Pre-Amp to increase the options on an end sound the system can produce. The total costs on Pre Amps at present is up to about £800