Ok, I have always had an integrated amp or A/V receiver (briefly) as my main source for amplification. I started with a Lafayette tube amp that was my Granddad's. I have had a few different SS units from the late 70"s and the late 80's. I now an using a very nice Modwright KWI 200. I have this strong urge to try some modestly priced separates. Is this a move that will bring obvious sonic improvement or just subtle improvement. Just thought I would ask for opinions before I jump off that cliff. I'll likely still try it, you know how it goes in this hobby. Thanks, Allen (Mizike)
Separates allow you to mix and match components to find a sound closer to your liking. It may be that your integrated is already exactly what you want, but you won't know until you start plugging different components in and seeing for yourself.
It can be a lot of fun, or completely frustrating - but I feel you haven't experienced this hobby fully until you have separates. :)
Really depends on the design of the equipment and your taste. To me, one of the biggest advantages is the ability to more custom tailor your sound by mixing brands, tubes and solid state, and swapping interconnects. But this flexibility can obviously come at a price, and it may take a lot of work to find the right combo that sounds meaningfully better to you than your integrated. The potential is there, if you dare!
In many cases, you can expect zero improvement over a good integrated. And when mixing brands, there's a good chance you'll experience a higher noise floor. Good luck.
+ 1 hk fan and gochurchgo and soix In an integrated solution they can of have all the electrical characteristics sorted out for you. So if it is a sound real close to what you like you can just swap out speaker cables, power cord and finely tune it. Going separates you may never equal that , but there is a bigger upside when going separates if you like to try and listen and swap out until you are happy.
I consider doing the same in the coming years, well, almost the same because I don't think I need preamp - volume is controlled on a tape deck and I need only one input. Other things being equal, separates are always a way to go. But cables, cords, cost, space.
Here's the only problem, the amp you have is very good. That means being careful about what you choose to pair to replace it, because buying into moderately priced separates may not outperform what you are using now.
All the above. Monoblock power amps can give you better separation, soundstage, and dynamics. If placed close to speakers (better), you only need shorter speaker cables.
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate the insight. By moderately priced I talking about used prices and a budget of around $12,000. Based on the cost of some of the very high end equipment, that seems moderate to me. I do sometimes think it may be hard to improve much on the Modwright with that level of investment.
We don't know about your speakers, your room, your sound and music preferences. I'll just mention brands that I would consider to begin with if I wanted to make the same move. Solid state - some Rowland, some Pass, all Gryphon. Tube - Atma-Sphere, VAC, Allnic, maybe Octave. Lamm - tube preamp and hybrid amp. Ypsilon is definitely beyond your reach. Best solid state value - Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated, about $16k new, I think, without phono or dac. There is 120 watt/ch Gryphon integrated for about $9k new, this I am not so sure.
Well, nothing is quite lifelike, but I think you are in a minority when it comes to Gryphon, Diablo 300 is a hell of a piece and is worth every cent. But tubes are tubes. However, I know that even most hard core tubeheads appreciate what Gryphons can do. There are also of course a few Swiss integrateds worth considering, and I think couple of Italian, don't remember the names. Some say German T+A integrated is great too, very possibly, don't know. $12k used is both a lot and not enough, I would have problems within this range. Cables and cords are not exactly free either.
We don't know what he expected but yeah, it's not bad, might complicate matter, though. But it's a serious decision, better look at it from every angle.
Again thanks for your comments. As far as other equipment goes I use an OPPO 105 for disks into a Wyred 4 Sound 2v2SE DAC for two channel music> I also stream a lot of music from Tidal. No vinyl at this time. I use a mix of Signal Cable and Audio Art cables with one or two Pangia power cables. My speakers are Tyler Acoustic Woodmere II. I am using two Rythmik F12G subs as well My room is very long At 14' wide by 38' long by 7' high. 1 x 1 staple up acoustic ceiling tile and carpet on concrete floors. I also have some pasture built (home made) bass traps of 3 lb density mineral wool 5" thick covered with curtain fabric in all corners floor to ceiling with a couple at first and second reflection points on both side walls. I also have Jim Smiths book, hope this helps, Allen
I briefly thought about doing the same until I realized that the "massive" improvements that some claim are actually subtle at best. Not to say that improvements are impossible, just unlikely after a lot of $.
mizike at this price point and performance level, get out to your dealers/retailers and, listen, listen, listen to the Separates. Keep us posted on the gear auditioned and locations of brands. Enjoy your Audio journey. Happy Listening!
Inna, Which world are you living in? Auditioning not kosher? He might well buy or trade something in later. As long as you are up front with a dealer and not there on a busy day, they should be accommodating. Or am I thinking of a world long since past?
Mizike, I have spent the last 12 months learning about today's audio world. I had a surround setup for 20 years I was tired of. Last week I saw a very lightly used tube amp by Cary I bought for $2,200. It has 60 wpc triode and 120 ultra linear. I had been using a vintage Scott tube receiver rebuilt by an expert.
The difference in sound is amazing. Your Modwright is probably a hell of a lot better than what I had. The chase is exciting!! Have fun!!
"By moderately priced I talking about used prices and a budget of around $12,000. Based on the cost of some of the very high end equipment, that seems moderate to me. I do sometimes think it may be hard to improve much on the Modwright with that level of investment."
Oh I beg to differ. As good as your $5000 integrated is, there are limitations. Below you'll find listings for a $4500 preamp and $7500 amp that meet your $12k budget, and if bought new you'd be out over $26,000. Buy them, and if they don't soundly beat your integrated on virtually every level I'll come over and eat them with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
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