Author Topic: Keep It Simple or NOT ???  (Read 8969 times)

Offline rollo

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Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« on: December 22, 2022, 12:44:51 PM »
  Recently I have thinking about going to an integrated Amp instead of Preamp mono blocks. Weighing the benefits and disadvantages of both. Always was a dual mono Guy from source to speaker. Using a dual mono DAC which will remain. My previous experience was a smaller soundstage and imaging with integrated. I would need minimum 150W power.
  What are your preferences ?? and experiences ??


charles
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Offline GDHAL

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2022, 01:02:13 PM »
  Recently I have thinking about going to an integrated Amp instead of Preamp mono blocks. Weighing the benefits and disadvantages of both. Always was a dual mono Guy from source to speaker. Using a dual mono DAC which will remain. My previous experience was a smaller soundstage and imaging with integrated. I would need minimum 150W power.
  What are your preferences ?? and experiences ??


charles

Hi Charles. Happy holiday's.

I have no personal experience using separate components. I've always used an 'integrated" solution.

The benefits of integrated include less physical space, and most likely less cost. Also less miscellaneous considerations such as cable connectivity, impedance matching, etc.

The disadvantages are, as you're already aware, integrated for whatever reason (valid or not) does not meet ultra-hi-end-criteria in terms of what can be achieved sonically.

These days there are many outstanding choices for an integrated amp. And, like most other things in life, ones budget and financial considerations play a role in your purchasing decision.

As to your 150 watt power requirement, that too can questioned because amplifier power necessity should take into consideration how efficient your speakers are, and the sound pressure level that you prefer to listen to music.

If you provide more detail, I can provide more specific recommendations.

Best.

Hal
« Last Edit: December 22, 2022, 01:03:48 PM by GDHAL »
GoldenEar Triton Reference (pair), Musical Fidelity M6si, Schiit Yggdrasil-OG-B, Oppo UDP-205, Emotiva ERC-3, LG OLED65C9PUA, Salamander Synergy Triple Unit SL20, Audeze LCD-X, GIK acoustic paneling
http://halr.x10.mx/other.html

Offline S Clark

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2022, 01:08:17 PM »
I've sort of split the difference in one system.  Gary Dodd built two mono integrated amps for me years ago.  At the time, it was the best option for a bedroom system that my wife could access. 
Speaker-GR Research LS9-XStatik-AltecFlamenco
Amp-Moscode,Dodd,Folsom
Pre-Dodd
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Rythmic sub

Offline ejk

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2022, 01:21:15 PM »
Rogue Sphinx V3. Class D with tube front end. Power,dynamics and transparent. The Pharoh II also gets fantastic reviews and ups all the above
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Offline DRN

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2022, 05:02:40 PM »
I think I'm  going on 5  years now with my Rogue CM 2 no complaints very happy. It does weigh in at 60 lbs with the cage.  :roll:

Absolutely keep it simple!
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Offline TopRound‎

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2022, 06:12:00 PM »
Hal
I have 4 preamps you can borrow to try, see what they do for you good or bad
Personally I have found preamps to be a critical part of a system, they can have a great affect on a system, good or bad.
You have to find the right one for your system. Yes an integrated is an easy solution, but it does have a preamp function built in.
A separate allows you to tailor, and it could be a great benefit
I'm a tube guy so they are tubed , but tubes infront of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:
System: Nothing....gave it all up, but building a few things for my kids...vinyl, tubes and Gan Fet!

Offline GDHAL

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2022, 07:17:22 PM »
Hal
I have 4 preamps you can borrow to try, see what they do for you good or bad
Personally I have found preamps to be a critical part of a system, they can have a great affect on a system, good or bad.
You have to find the right one for your system. Yes an integrated is an easy solution, but it does have a preamp function built in.
A separate allows you to tailor, and it could be a great benefit
I'm a tube guy so they are tubed , but tubes infront of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:

I appreciate the offer, Mike. Very kind of you.

Of course, I realize an integrated has a preamp section, and the preamp is extremely important to sound character. I'm rather content with my Musical Fidelity M6si, which is dual mono configuration. And, I can connect a separate preamp to it and use it as just a power amp.

Thing is, I'm not the one contemplating making any kind system change. Charles is  :D

« Last Edit: December 22, 2022, 08:36:51 PM by GDHAL »
GoldenEar Triton Reference (pair), Musical Fidelity M6si, Schiit Yggdrasil-OG-B, Oppo UDP-205, Emotiva ERC-3, LG OLED65C9PUA, Salamander Synergy Triple Unit SL20, Audeze LCD-X, GIK acoustic paneling
http://halr.x10.mx/other.html

Offline steve

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2022, 09:09:15 PM »
  Recently I have thinking about going to an integrated Amp instead of Preamp mono blocks. Weighing the benefits and disadvantages of both. Always was a dual mono Guy from source to speaker. Using a dual mono DAC which will remain. My previous experience was a smaller soundstage and imaging with integrated. I would need minimum 150W power.
  What are your preferences ?? and experiences ??


charles

Hi Charles,

I would attempt to audition any and all integrated amps in your home in your setup first and compare. Please
take your time as first impressions may not leave a good lasting impression. I don't know how many times I
have read/heard of some one exchanging one setup to another and wishing they had their original setup.

cheers

steve
« Last Edit: December 22, 2022, 09:20:34 PM by steve »
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Offline TopRound‎

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2022, 02:55:30 AM »
I think we're all guilty of selling a piece of gear we wish we kept!
System: Nothing....gave it all up, but building a few things for my kids...vinyl, tubes and Gan Fet!

Offline Emil

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2022, 05:59:29 AM »
At this time in my audiophile journey, its integrated amps for me.

Currently enjoying my Belles Aria Signature
"Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day"
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Offline Lonewolfny42

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2022, 08:18:28 AM »
At this time in my audiophile journey, its integrated amps for me.

Currently enjoying my Belles Aria Signature

https://youtu.be/6iv2t9SErkA
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Offline Emil

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2022, 09:31:12 AM »
At this time in my audiophile journey, its integrated amps for me.

Currently enjoying my Belles Aria Signature

https://youtu.be/6iv2t9SErkA

Hey Chris!

Mine is the SIGNATURE version :mrgreen:
"Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day"
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Offline Folsom

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2022, 06:02:22 PM »
An integrated could technically be monoblocked internally.

Offline GDHAL

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2022, 06:13:19 PM »
An integrated could technically be monoblocked internally.

As is mine.

Plus, if you have a spare $30k give or take, you could get among the best on the planet (nowadays, who knows what tomorrow will bring).

https://www.german-physiks.com/emperor-integrated-amplifier
GoldenEar Triton Reference (pair), Musical Fidelity M6si, Schiit Yggdrasil-OG-B, Oppo UDP-205, Emotiva ERC-3, LG OLED65C9PUA, Salamander Synergy Triple Unit SL20, Audeze LCD-X, GIK acoustic paneling
http://halr.x10.mx/other.html

Offline Nick B

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Re: Keep It Simple or NOT ???
« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2022, 08:04:21 PM »
An integrated could technically be monoblocked internally.

As is mine.

Plus, if you have a spare $30k give or take, you could get among the best on the planet (nowadays, who knows what tomorrow will bring).

https://www.german-physiks.com/emperor-integrated-amplifier

Very interesting, Hal. I thought that company only made speakers.
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