aberyclark
Another +vote for going the Integrated amp route (there are some really excellent gear in the marketplace in 2022). Shout -out for AYRE AX-5 Twenty series and
Conrad Johnson CAV 45.
Happy Listening!
After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?
I'm rethinking my listening room. I want my audio rack to be more minimalist vs lots of boxes, wires, and clutter. I know separates, in general, will sound better. However, at the level of my system, I'm not certain the difference would be as apparent. In the grand scheme of things of Audiophilia, my level of components are mid-fi at best (BHK Pre, First Watt J2, Elac PPA-2 phono, Pro-ject s2 Dac, ZU Omen Defs)
I'm favoring one of the Luxman Class A's (I know Luxman is getting out of the Class A business. The only way I would favor a built-in Dac is if it were upgradable like McIntosh or Accuphase. I'm guessing a Luxman or Mac built-in phono would sound just as good as to what I have now (Elac PPA-2).
So the question is, who else has gone to integrated? Do you regret the move or are you glad you did?
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What counts as an "integrated" component? My streamer + DAC + preamp is in one box (the Matrix Element X); the power amp is a second shoebox-sized box (the Benchmark AHB2). So my box count (+ footprint + cable clutter) is no greater than with an integrated amp that needs a separate streamer or DAC. The three integrated amps I've owned have all needed at least one extra box for the functionality I get in my current 2-box setup. None of them have had a DAC as good as the Matrix has, nor a power amp section as good as the AHB2 (w.r.t. noise and distortion). The total price of these two components (in April 2022) is about $6K-$7K. I'm not aware of any other 2-box combo that gets equal (or better) test measurements for an equal (or lower) total price. Although, for about the same price, you certainly could get more than 100w power, or features such as an LCD touch screen, in exchange for a slightly higher noise floor or a bit more distortion. The other issue is volume control. The best "upstream" implementations of digital (or hybrid) volume control, such as Lumin has tried to achieve with LEEDH, may still not be quite as good as the volume control you get for a similar price in a conventional integrated amp. I don't really know, because I haven't done my own A/B comparison nor have I seen a test/review that covers the issue very well. I think the Element X has a very good hybrid volume control. Still, I'm tempted to try inserting a separate Benchmark preamp between the Element X and AHB2, just to see if I notice any SQ improvement across various volume settings. Another combo that interests me is the new Peachtree Gan400 amp + PreDac. If they ever integrate it into a single box , I'd be tempted to order one (esp. if it has an ethernet port and tip-top DAC). That would give me more watts of power and an even lower box count than I now have. |
recently bought a Line Magnetic integrated amp (216i). Got a 30% discount and free shipping. They have also given 15 days of the return policy. The product will be shipped on Wednesday. I just hope the system is good. |
@boazxavier_000 Please let us know our thoughts once you get the Line Magnetic up and running. |
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