2. amps-preamps
  3. 154615-2897

To integrate or not...

Hi all

Many of you have far more experience of products & change of equipment than me, so... which of you have moved from seperate to an integrated & why? Are some of you having serious consideration switching to an integrated...?

I know there are reasons for not due to the inability to change amps & interconnects. Plus if there is a failure then you're without pre & power.

I'm currently inclined to move to an integrated, preferably tube. Present contenders are PrimaLuna Evo 400 & Pass INT-60.

I'm currently using Octave HP700 pre (tubes upgraded to gold pin Siemens) with phono module, Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R monos & Audio Physic Avantera III.

The Avantera III are fairly sensitive at 89db so not such an issue for lower power integrated options. 

Thanks 
Rich
128x128infection

Showing 2 responses by jerry_gt3rs

jerry_gt3rs
82 posts
 
Infection, I have made the switch from very high quality separates to the Octave V80se and I am very pleased with the sound. The V80se is powerful enough to drive my Q3s which are rated at 92db in a fairly large room effortlessly. Considering the fact that you have enjoyed other Octave products, it might be worth a listen. Also, the unit is amazingly flexible allowing all manner of configuration changes should you choose to upgrade at a later date. 
jerry_gt3rs
82 posts
 
infection,
   I was previously using Boulder 2000 series separates which were wonderful. I sold them and decided to simplify my system and purchased the Octave after listening to a handful of options in my dedicated room. I do not have a black box, but I suspect I will try the SBB at some point. As for phono, I have the little Nagra battery powered unit. While it does not compare to my old Boulder 2008, it is quite good and dead quiet which is very important to me. I am sure the Octave phono section is also very good, I did prefer to have the flexibility to try others in the future as most of my serious listening is vinyl sourced.
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