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Seperates vs Integrated

Current ht is good enough but music is suffering. Have looked at adding an amp but discussion here led to rethinking and looking at a seperate system for music. Space is a consideration so wandered into integrated amps. Are there integrateds that will compare well to seperates? Have looked at Simaudio moon i5080, Anthem Int 2 and Jolida 1501rc. Are there other integrateds I should consider and will they provide a glimpse of high end audio? Want something that will give a little presence. Current system really suffers at low to medium levels loosing dynamics and clarity.
This started as what I thought would be a very simple system upgrade and has turned into a quest. So far lots of fun and very informative but also a little frustrating. Hope everyone will be patient with my lack of experience and questions that seem to overlap. Just hoping to enter a new level and learn all I can on the journey.
scoly
rute1
71 posts
 
Are you using just CD or some other sorces? if you just using CD only I suggest you take a look at CD player with volume and run direct to a good amp is much much better option! That's my personal exp!!!!! but if you need more inputs(tape, phono.........) other than just CD then one go ahead get integrated. (for limited buget)
That's just my Op.
Regards,
Rute.
nakolawala
42 posts
 
With regards to the integrated amps you have mentioned above I have the Anthem Int 2 for around 6 months which is driving Silverline Audio Panatella II speakers.
All I can say that I am extremely satisfied with the musical presentation of the the above combo. I have had some really expensive audio before I downsized it and do not hear much difference.
After havinf replaced the 6922 tube in the Anthem with some NOS tubes, I can say its among the best integrated amps you can purchase at that price point.
tatum's avatar
tatum
3 posts
 
After having tons of seperate gear over the years I have moved into integrated with a Krell KAV 300i and most recently a Musical Fidelity Nu Vista M3. All things considered, I much prefer the integrated route and feel it actually gives me better sound. It just makes sense to eliminate the extra amp/pre-amp connection and not have the extra cables, cords, etc. to deal with (and buy).
scoly OP
15 posts
 
Once again great info. Much more to research. Have to make a decision. So many options.
Thanks
Steve
scoly OP
15 posts
 
Money is often a consideration in the decisions we make and so it was with this. Being relatively new to seeking the upper end in music I felt that small steps made better sense to me and went with a much cheaper amp than I had originally considered. The improvement was huge with my system and I am extremely pleased with the outcome. Cd's we have listened to for years came alive at all sound levels. Nuances that we had never heard or felt were clear and precise. My conclusion is that an amp upgrade even using a ht receiver as the pre is worthwhile in most systems. I had believed for years that speakers were the secret and they would always be the best bang for initial upgrade. Was I ever wrong. Having demoed the B&W Matrix 805's and been very disappointed I was unsure if anything would achieve the results I had hoped for. The amp achieved my goals and even went beyond. A clarity and feel of the music is present. Better recordings have become an experience. Anyway, just wanted to thank the people who responded to my questions and gave the encouragement that I needed.
Steve
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