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
ryder
1,686 posts
 

So, I reached out to Kent @Pass for his thoughts. (I’ve know him for a quite while.) He basically said it could be viable but in terms of sonic bliss, body and weight the integrated wouldn’t match those separates. So, I decided to keep ’em separated.

 

Did he recommend or say anything about the INT 250? If out of Pass Labs, there are many other high quality integrateds that may provide the body and weight while retaining the refinement and detail. Vitus RI-101mk2 or one of the Class A options may be a contender. Costly though. One would never know until he listens to the gear in the system.

bluorion
441 posts
 

I started with an integrated years ago then decided to try separates to make a change and experiment a little. Well, that lasted about 2 years then back to an integrated (Luxman). I think that's going to be it for me. My set up is very simple---not a lot of cables to mess with either. Spend the extra money and get a good, high quality integrated and you'll have it for many, many years.Enjoy and good luck!

jpan
110 posts
 

"Did he recommend or say anything about the INT 250?"

No, he did not. He only ended by saying, You know John Atkinson said the XA-60.5 is the best-sounding amp he's ever used...

"One would never know until he listens to the gear in the system."

True, absolutely. 

 

ebm
9,311 posts
 

Go backwards its fun.

lanx0003
676 posts
 

Whatever suits you.  Whatever makes you happy.  Whatever makes you feel you are improving your system.  Whatever you do we all cheer for you.  

If you wish to retire your Pass power amp (if you had it) at 1/3 price, I will take it.  Let me know please.

More to discover