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?

 

aberyclark

I just posted a youtube video discussing my thought process of going integrated

 

After many years of having integrated amps I went separates and am so glad I did. Separate amps and linestages, phono-pre amps allowed me to really discover the sound I was looking for. I learned alot through the amp/pre-amp relationship. I had very reputable integrated amps, but separates opened up the opportunity to explore. I don’t play CDs as much as vinyl and don’t stream so having all components in one chassis is not for me. What if there is a problem with one of the components in the chassis? It all goes for repair so you need a backup. What if your phono board in your integrated does not have appropriate loading options for that new cartridge? What if new dac technology gives one the upgrade bug? Your integrated needs modular capability (which many now have) I understand the need to simplify, I like simple and firmly believe less can be more, and who knows...one day I may feel that way. Good deals can be had on separates. I have a backup pre-amp (Ultraverve) and amp (Van Alstine) that affords different combinations of synergy and sound/tubes that I can enjoy when desired. Yes, I could sell all 4 pre’s and amps and get a nice integrated. But not heading in that direction. As far as clutter...not a clutter-bug (my main system is posted here on A’gon. 

Bether a good integrate than a bad separate.

Bether a good two way than a bad three way speaker.

So we talks in the year 1976.

Had spectral separates for close to 20 years.  After a job move and loss of my dedicated room, sold everything except the speakers. Recently got back a smallish room and went shopping. Thinking integrated for size and simplicity and great reviews of luxman. Wound up buying esoteric as luxman demo was sold. I’m not missing anything from amplification and the phono section rivals my old spectral.  

I would be curious if someone did a blind test between separates and integrated if they could hear the difference.  If they can hear the difference, what would they hear?  They would need to use a manufacturer that manufactures separates as well as integrated.