2. amps-preamps
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Yet another Integrated vs Separates advice post

Hey Audiogon! Help me spend my money.

I've recently upgraded my speakers and analog rig and it now has me wondering if I could be getting more out of my amplification section. I've had a trusty Hegel H200 integrated amp for about 6 years and it's to its testament that until now I haven't thought about upgrading it. But the upgraditis is getting to me, especially after my analog section has taken me into a different tier on the source side.

My questions:

If my goal is to move into the "reference" quality tier (and by that I guess I mean, at least providing a sniff of the creme de la creme; Stereophile Class A-quality for lack of a better way to put it), should I take this opportunity to move back into separates? 

Second question: if my budget is around $7k, what should I consider that would be a significant upgrade over the giant-killing Hegel? Some components I'm considering:

For separates, PS Audio BHK preamp + PS Audio Stellar Monoblocks (though I'm hesitant about class D amps)
For integrated, Aesthetix Mimas, or a Luxman integrated
Someone in the running: integrateds from Krell, Mark Levinson, and Ayre

My requirements: my rack limits me to standard-sized 17"-wide components. I need at least 2 balanced inputs unless there's a built-in DAC. I mainly seek a "warm" tonality with rich midrange, and greatly value components that image exceptionally well.

My system: Hegel H200, Doge 7 DAC, Avid Volvere turntable, PS Audio Stellar phono preamp, Egglestonworks Emma speaker
hudsonhawk

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
hudsonhawk O
Yet another Integrated vs Separates advice


Separates always better, as you can choose/change your active preamp coloration flavor.
Or at least an integrated that can by-pass the preamp with power amp inputs.

Preamps:
Active Tube.
Active Solid State
Or Passive
(You can get all three with a Schiit Freya+) https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

Or even "Direct" from source into the amp which is my no.1 if all other components don’t need any of the coloration’s from an "active preamps"

(though I’m hesitant about class D amps)
As are the majority, for hiend .

Cheers George


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