Separates w/internal phono vs Integrated + phono

Interesting question. I can't say that I know the answer, but I'm posting because this subject is also of interest to me. I am currently running a full function preamp with a separate amp, but I am considering moving to an integrated amp with a separate phono stage.

As with anything in audio, I highly doubt that you will find a clear winner in this debate though.

I don't think that criteria should be based on separates vs. one unit. Once we didn't even know what is integrated amp, because they were all integrated or receivers for home audio. One box unit with properly desinged power supply will be OK standing next to even great designed separates.

I have no relevant experience, but I would doubt that the answer is anything other than it depends on the specific designs.

Also, I would expect that the answer will depend to some extent on how much power is required, and if there is a preference between tube and solid state for the power amplification function. Those factors will affect how much of the budget should be allocated to that function, and therefore how much will be left over for the preamplifier and phono stage functions, regardless of how they are integrated.

Regards,
-- Al

Dear Musichead: Obviously that depends on the quality of those audio items but everything the same I prefer a Phonolinepreamp + amplifier.

In a Phonolinepreamp the delicate cartridge signal has a short paths that with a stand alone PS and with lower degradation. An amplifier is almost always a compromise about sharing strong electromagnetic pollution and some kind of noises that contaminate the phonoline signal.

At the end in a Phonolinepreamp the output signal is a strong one and if the Phonoline preamp has a low output impedance then we can be sure that the audio signal that goes to the amp is in " pristine condition ".

My take is to take care the most for the cartridge signal that is the source where every degradation to that signal you can't recover any more.

regards and enjoy the music,
R.