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 p05129

All integrateds are a compromise, they have to be, and this could be a good or bad thing. No integrated that I know of has the exact same phono preamp guts of their best separates. Same for dac, preamp, and amp.

But the good thing about integrateds, they are cheaper and the sq/features might meet or exceed your needs for the money.