seperates over integrated. Why?

Historically, buying separates made sense on three counts:

1. there are fewer design and performance compromises when you go with separates ... purchase an individual component that does its respective job well.
2. allows for a sensible and logical purchasing approach and upgrade path.
3. if a component breaks down, only that piece has to be replaced.

Working against this, is that going with separates requires more room in the equipment rack and the ability to match up components (system synergy) is supremely important.

Power amps, primarily because of their heat generating and heat dissipation parts, create the biggest roadblock to integration. You don't necessarily want the power supplies, transformers, and heat sinks interferring with your preamp and possibly, tuner.

With all that said, there are some great integrated amps out there. I have happily owned from a budget NAD C320BEE to a Musical Fidelity A3 to a Prima Luna Prologue Two. The convenience of the integrated makes sense and I have never been a zealot about needing that ultimate level of performance. In those systems where I have gone with a power amp, I opted for either an integrated preamp/tuner (ADCOM GTP 500) or a preamp/cd player (Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24). It's unfortunate that there are not too many top flight receivers out there, because they make the most sense from an integration point of view.

In the end, it really is about what is important to you and what you are willing to spend and tolerate to play your tunes.

Regards, Rich

Gilbodavid:

Funny that you mention the Marantz 2245 ... I am using a Marantz 2240 in a bedroom system. I had the 2240 overhauled about 3 years ago and was not satisfied with it at first. I tried a number of small monitors with mixed results and finally started fiddling with the tone controls. I haven't used tone controls since 1979, when I purchased a pair of EPI 100 speakers and they suggested not using tone controls. Well, go down two indents on the bass control (leaving the mid-range and treble tone controls in the '0' position) and the Marantz sounds like a champ ... very smooth and musical sounding. I have it paired with NHT SB2 speakers and a Pioneer PD-65 CD player ... not bad for $800 total. Go figure ...

Regards, Rich

Gilbodavid:

It's like I said at the very beginning of your thread ... In the end, it really is about what is important to you and what you are willing to spend and tolerate to play your tunes.

Ultimately, I buy what sounds the best to me. I know what I am willing to spend for a component (usually new) and I look to respect my budget. Compared to others on Agon, I live in the mid-fi world. I'm OK with that. I do make the occasional mistake when I buy something over the net without doing my homework, I just try to make it not so costly. It is why I am always looking for bargains and close outs. I also accept the compromises that either my hearing, my furniture set-up, my cats' climbing tendencies, and my wife's feelings add to the equation.

I have heard lots of equipment and easily 3/4 of it does very little for me and that includes some of the most touted brands here ... Vandersteen, Wilson Watt Puppies, Thieles, B&W's to name a few. I am off ... possibly, but as the Romans would say ... "de gustibus non disputandum est" (to each his own).

Enjoy the trip.

Regards, Rich