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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
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,482 posts
 

I've been a long time owner of separates but agree today's integrated amps can be pretty awesome.    Im having a 300b built that can be an "integrated" amp with it's two inputs and volume controls, but I plan on using it as a power amp with a pre in front of it I plan on trying it with a source alone and with a pre-amp.   Who knows , but I suspect it will sound better with a preamp.

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eisen0169
46 posts
 

I also purchased the Luxman 590axii but hadn't heard Luxman is "getting out of the Class A business".  A good integrated forms the basis for a "compact reference system", which is what I tried to put together since I really am space-limited.  However, I'm intrigued with the new Atmasphere Class D power amps and if the industry can start making these small and light, as good or better sounding as Class A and at a value price, then I could see going to separates.  I don't have to move the Luxman.  Once was enough putting it on an upper shelf.  It weighs 65 lbs.  and it took two of us. 

aj523
360 posts
 

Isn’t that basically a receiver without the am/fm tuner? 

swede58's avatar
swede58
109 posts
 

Anyone compared D’Agostino Progression Integrated or Gryphon Diablo 300 to Pass Labs separates (XP22/X260.8)?

jdal
157 posts
 

For the past week I have been using a Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 in my system. It's still breaking in but so far I am very pleased with it. My tube separates are an Emotive Audio Epifania preamp and Vita mono blocks. I love them but the amps are just way too heavy for me. I'm looking to downsize in the near future.

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