Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget

I used to have a Nad amp from the late 80s. When it broke I changed to a Rega Brio which was a bit better. Still with my old speakers. I planned to upgrade my speakers but started to think about moving and did not know which speakers that would work. Then I found a great deal on a used Schiit Ragnarok 2 integrated and bought it. It was the best upgrade I have made! The sound improved a lot even with the old speakers. So you can get better sound by changing the amp, even with old speakers.

I do recommend the Ragnarok. You probably want the fully loaded version since it has both dac and riaa built-in. Just get a Raspberry Pi or another streamer and you’re covered.

[Edit]

The price is around $2k.

Luxman integrated or a flagship yamaha marantz in the sales... Luxman phono input also rivals most 500-700 phono stages so there is saving to be made with a good but simple integrated. 

How many watts per channel do your speakers need?  If your speakers are 90db or greater, check out a Lejonklou Boazu........

Good luck.

Just heard a friends new Hegel 95.  Impressive piece of kit @ 2k.  Built in DAC sounded wonderful to me… 

Thanks again guys!

I have a really dumb question. Why are tube amplifiers with low wattage (ex. 20 watts per channel) generally as good or better than SS amps with higher wattage (100+watts per channel).  How are they able to power my B&W's for example? I guess not all watts are created equal. I've always wondered about this an haven't heard an explanation that makes sense to me

TIA