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 2 responses by josephp732

josephp732
28 posts
 
After a lot of research I choose the Theory plus Application "T+A" PA3000 with the optional phono module ~$18.5k. As Audio Doctor outlines above; I believe purchasing separates that could delivery the same performance levels at this price point would be difficult to replicate. Plus, not to mention taking up considerably more space.

In the PA3000 the preamplifier and power amplifier sections are physically separated. It’s a true dual-mono design; with separate left and right channels. From the owners manual " The PA 3000 HV features complete and consistent channel separation in the signal processing stages (double-mono construction), and for this reason the input and output sockets are also arranged in strict symmetry relative to the centre of the machine."

Power ratings for the PA3000 are 300W RMS per channel into eight ohms 700W peak per channel into to four ohms.

One thing that I found interesting is that this integrated supports bi-wiring.

Again from the manual "The two pairs of terminals are ideally suited for use in the bi-wiring arrangement in conjunction with high-quality loudspeakers. For bi-wiring mode connect the bass range to output A, and the mid-range / treble range to output B."






josephp732
28 posts
 
Audiotroy - 

My system configuration is:

·       T+A PV3000HV Integrated

·       T+A MP3000HV Multi Source Player

·       Bryston BDP-3 Digital Music Player w/ Samsung 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD

·       Music Hall MMF-9.1 Turntable (with the Goldring Eroica LX cartridge)

·       Legacy Audio Focus SE Loudspeakers (bi-wired)

I have two short (20’) dedicated 30 amp 10 gauge service lines (US made Southwire Romex - 😊) from the panel for this system. The integrated amp is plugged directly into the wall and the other components going to a Furman PST-8D Digital Power Station, the MP3000HV two powers cables - one for the digital side and one for the analog side, I spit between each of the PST-8D isolated banks.

Surge protection:

·       Leviton 20/240-Volt 200 Amp Outdoor Rated Meter Socket Surge Arrester

·       Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA Breaker box surge protection

I am pretty light vinyl user so I went a bit middle of the road with a turntable. The BDP-3 is connected to the MP3000HV via AES/EBU – I think sound quality is a bit better than going USB.


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