2. amps-preamps
  3. 146319-12450

Why the facination with integrated amps?

I don’t get it. Is it the manufacturers spotting a trend with the tail wagging the dog or does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?
Pros;
Less space
One less set of IC’s
In theory-one less chassis/case to pay for
Shorter signal paths possible
Can combine transformer/cap function
Cons;
Power supply interference/spuriae
Reduced Flexibility-can’t switch amp or preamp as easily or go to monoblocs
Less resonance control
Long history of lesser performance per measurements and long-term subjective listening
Less resale value if it turns out to be a fad
Less liklihood of an extremely high performing active preamp

I freely admit I am a skeptic. The industry-like so many others-looks for new market niches to move product. 
FWIW, the only integrateds I myself would care to audition would be from Esoteric and Luxman who have a long history of designing no-compromise (low-compromise) high-end integrateds. 

fsonicsmith

Showing 1 response by bdp24

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,248 posts
 

If one does not require the gain provided by the pre-amp section of an integrated and most separate pre-amps, a power amp with a built-in passive pre-amp (control of volume, switching, etc.) is an attractive alternative to a conventional integrated (which in many cases have a power amp section compromised in the interest of meeting a retail price point).

There are some of that kind of product available, and I could provide the name of one tube amp designer/builder who will I believe install a passive pre-amp in one of his amps if you so desire (he approves of the concept). I could, but have been reprimanded for "pimping" for him and his products. Can't have that, so you’ll have to figure it out for yourselves. Hint: He was for years located in beautiful Santa Barbara, but has relocated to the Berkeley/Oakland area in N. California (not without its’ own charms).

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