Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates

I owned the CM2 and its going to be hard pressed to find separates that can compete with the CM2 at that price range.  Also, unless your turntable phono cables are fully balanced, I’m not sure how much of an improvement your going to hear going with a fully balanced amp other than an increase in gain.  Are you sure your not happy? :) I would imagine your ZU speakers  would sound great with the CM2.

Although, I don’t own the CM2 anymore, it’s still an amp I think about and wish I didn’t sell.  If you’re looking to going fully balanced, I would save up for either Pass or Ayre equipment.  Rogue separates are a great value as well.  I would also look into Belles amps as well.  I think they are single ended amps but they sound great for their money. 

With that said, I wouldn’t rush into this decision. The CM2 is a wonderful amp that should keep you happy for a long time. Personally, if I were you, I would save up for higher end balanced equipment or consider upgrading your sources or possibly your speakers.  Either way, take your time and buy what sounds good to you.  

Good luck!

Remember XLR does not equal balanced. Two seperate, but related, items. Are you saying you have 6k to buy seperates or 3k to spend on your next upgrade?

@robd2 I have $3k for my next upgrade. Thanks.

@nycjlee thanks for your feedback. I have the CM1 not 2. It’s a great piece and I’ve used it extensively for the past 4 years, however, I’d like to move to the next phase of this journey. I’ve been looking at the Pass Labs XP10 for instance as I am very impressed with my XP15. Just looking for thoughts/feedback from others who may have gotten out of integrateds for separates. Thanks.

@twoleftears and that is important to consider, the law of diminishing returns. I am not going to obsess over a perceived 5% gain in benefits for 3 or 4 times the spend of the CM1. But if there is something out there that I should consider that will make a large impact, at my budget, than I would like to explore.

@asp307 I too was once an integrated only guy. I felt the synergy of a 1 box solution and the ability to avoid complications with an extra interconnect outweighed the benefits of seperates. I was completely wrong.... : ) you will never look back from seperates, it's just more expensive. Now how best do we spend your 3k..... Your current integrated, are you able to run it as an amp only with an external preamp?