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
Quote from: rollo 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
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
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.
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
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!
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:
Quote from: TopRound 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:
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
Quote from: rollo 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
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
I think we're all guilty of selling a piece of gear we wish we kept!
At this time in my audiophile journey, its integrated amps for me.
Currently enjoying my Belles Aria Signature
Quote from: Emil 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
https://youtu.be/6iv2t9SErkA
Quote from: Lonewolfny42 on December 23, 2022, 08:18:28 AM
Quote from: Emil 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
https://youtu.be/6iv2t9SErkA
Hey Chris!
Mine is the SIGNATURE version :mrgreen:
An integrated could technically be monoblocked internally.
Quote from: Folsom on December 23, 2022, 06:02:22 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
Quote from: GDHAL on December 23, 2022, 06:13:19 PM
Quote from: Folsom on December 23, 2022, 06:02:22 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.
Quote from: Emil on December 23, 2022, 09:31:12 AM
Quote from: Lonewolfny42 on December 23, 2022, 08:18:28 AM
Quote from: Emil 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
https://youtu.be/6iv2t9SErkA
Hey Chris!
Mine is the SIGNATURE version :mrgreen:
Oh....sorry! So you paid extra for an autograph?🤡
Quote from: TopRound 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 in front of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:
Not my first Rodeo remember. My thoughts as well. But but integrated are getting so much better. The line I carry is what is causing my interest.
charles
Quote from: rollo on December 26, 2022, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: TopRound 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 in front of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:
Not my first Rodeo remember. My thoughts as well. But but integrated are getting so much better. The line I carry is what is causing my interest.
charles
Charles,
You're talking about the Audio Hungary line, correct?
Quote from: Nick B on December 26, 2022, 10:47:36 AM
Quote from: rollo on December 26, 2022, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: TopRound 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 in front of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:
Not my first Rodeo remember. My thoughts as well. But but integrated are getting so much better. The line I carry is what is causing my interest.
charles
Charles,
You're talking about the Audio Hungary line, correct?
Yes. However a few others as well.
charles
Quote from: rollo on December 26, 2022, 11:13:02 AM
Quote from: Nick B on December 26, 2022, 10:47:36 AM
Quote from: rollo on December 26, 2022, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: TopRound 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 in front of SS usually is pretty nice :thumb:
Not my first Rodeo remember. My thoughts as well. But but integrated are getting so much better. The line I carry is what is causing my interest.
charles
Charles,
You're talking about the Audio Hungary line, correct?
Yes. However a few others as well.
charles
Well, if you would care to elaborate further, I think some of us would be quite interested...