user poll on seperates vs integrated


Hey guys, I wanted to try and crowd-source some (likely very opinionated, unscientific) knowledge.  I've read about the benefits of separates (have only ever used integrated myself), and I'm wondering how those benefits compare to the benefits of higher end parts/assembly, when controlled for cost.

 

To put it more plainly, would you likely get better overall results from a $5000 preamp and $5000 amp, or from a $10,000 integrated, given the likely quality/components used in equipment in those price ranges.

 

If you're experienced both separates, and integrated amps that cost the equivalent of those separate parts added together, can you speak to which you preferred?

 

Thanks for weighing in.

chrisryanhorner

Showing 1 response by aewarren

Either has its advantages and disadvantages. Those have been well-listed by many posters here. If you are talking about sound quality alone, Integrated amps have narrowed the gap between them and separates. The high end ones are quite good and should not be dismissed. In the $10K range, The Absolute Sound recommends the following:

 

Bel Canto EIX $8500

Aesthetix Mimas  $9000

BAT VK80i  $9995

Technics SU-R1000 $9999