2. amps-preamps
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What price point favors separates over integrated?

At my point in the audio food chain, an integrated is the only choice. Buying separates for less than $2K total doesn't make any sense. But there are some really really expensive integrated amps out there. Which got me thinking... At what price point is it better to have separates rather than an integrated? I'm leaving out concerns about space here. Just for sound, if you have $5K, is it better to have a Levinson integrated (or equivalent), or two components, say $2K pre and $2K amp (+ cables/powercords if you're into that)?

For that matter, where's the cutoff for monoblocks over a pre/amp combo?

I know there's "no right answer" here, as it will depend on your particular taste in gear, but I'd like to hear your opinions, as many of you must face this choice.
qualia8

Showing 2 responses by qualia8

qualia8 OP
49 posts
 
Thanks, Krell man. It's all that additional cost in cords, interconnects, and boxes that I'm wondering about. This additional cost seems to argue heavily in favor of an integrated -- even at, say $5K. You like Musical Fidelity amps. (I do too. They've got a really sweet sound.) Why not the A5 or KW500? That extra $1600 in cables could buy a lot more power in an integrated.

Of course, you couldn't fiddle with the two separately. I get that. But I'm guessing at some price point, the advantages of separates/monoblocks outweigh the disadvantages of all of those extra boxes and cables.
qualia8 OP
49 posts
 
I'm jealous. The kW500 is a beast! And I bet you *could* tell the difference, provided the speakers were inefficient enough, and the volumes high enough. The specs on those two amps are quite different.

More importantly, how much would you have to spend on separates to find something that really shines over your kW500? My guess is... a LOT!

Yeah the PSU is in another box, but still, no ics to deal with. I don't know... do you replace the power cable between PSU and amp w/ aftermarket?
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