2. amps-preamps
  3. 184597-122012

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 alexatpos

alexatpos
1,169 posts
 

I would vote for separates, but having in mind that one will ususally spend more and it will take more time to get everything ’right’ You will need more cables, including power cables as well and more time to make ’right’ choices, between components and cables.

Even the higher class integrated amps are often not a match for a separates that might cost the same, or worse, there are very few integrated amps at all, that can match the 10k separates bought in Sh, for example. That amount of money, in sh, can get you far, meaning it will give you more than almost any integrated amp, without the cost of cables.

 

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