2. amps-preamps
  3. 176198-10803

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
rpeluso
1,017 posts
 

I have that Luxman integrated too, its pretty special.  

antialiased's avatar
antialiased
40 posts
 

Makes sense to me. Fewer boxes, fewer cables, less visual clutter, less expense, more power savings, less physical weight. Wive approved.

Lean and mean is how I prefer most things.

curlyhifi
156 posts
 

IMHO... Buy new or buy name brand that can be serviced or sold.

bobheinatz
706 posts
 

I have now had the Boulder 866 in my system for two days and I am really enjoying it.   If your budget can stretch o the Boulder it could be your last integrated. 

jonwolfpell
343 posts
 

I went to a Rogers High Fidelity Tubed Integrated Amp, model EFH 200 Mark II. Without a direct comparison in the same system & room, there’s really no way to tell how just how really good it is but it’s REALLY good! Lots of power, best bass I’ve ever heard from tubes & a beautiful, detailed midrange with very realistic air & amazing subtle decay of sound that real instruments live have & few systems can duplicate. 

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