When "Hi-FI" gained popularity at the dawn of the "50's, the affordable amps were Integrated - Bell, Brook, Bogen,Grommes, etc. No frills. Then Mac, H.H.Scott, Marantz, Fisher, Quad brought increasing levels of
sophistication and fidelity - at a cost. Nowadays, many of us don't feel
the need for flexibility options the Separates offered. Us old-timers
remember choices for distinct recording curves: AES, Decca, RCA
(RIAA), LP, 78", etc. along with and the introduction of a "loudness" control - these and several other control options, along with demonstratively better audio are what set Separates on their elevatedstatus back then.
That's apparently changing, and perhaps for the better, for the reasons others have mentioned. For my part. I enjoy the flexibility and audio offered by my fully-rehabbed MC 34 and M 2570 (End of the G.Gow era and his sound at Mac).
Maybe I'm simply too old and can't hear anything better!
But, hey - it's all about what YOU think you hear, isn't it?
Bo
sophistication and fidelity - at a cost. Nowadays, many of us don't feel
the need for flexibility options the Separates offered. Us old-timers
remember choices for distinct recording curves: AES, Decca, RCA
(RIAA), LP, 78", etc. along with and the introduction of a "loudness" control - these and several other control options, along with demonstratively better audio are what set Separates on their elevatedstatus back then.
That's apparently changing, and perhaps for the better, for the reasons others have mentioned. For my part. I enjoy the flexibility and audio offered by my fully-rehabbed MC 34 and M 2570 (End of the G.Gow era and his sound at Mac).
Maybe I'm simply too old and can't hear anything better!
But, hey - it's all about what YOU think you hear, isn't it?
Bo