Integrated CD/Pre + Amp or CD plus integrated amp?


Hello,

I'm planning on getting two components for my new Silverline SR-15 monitors. Thus, one of them will have to be integrated in some way or another. Two of my favorite brands (at least within the solid state realm) are Musical Fidelity and Electrocompaniet. What would the difference be in the following setups:

MF CD-Pre24 (integrated CD/Pre, now discontinued) + EC AW-220, or

MF A3.2CD + EC ECI-3 (integrated amp)

The best thing, of course, would be to hear each combination, but that's not possible for me given the dealers in my area. These are components that I've heard in various places at various times, but never together. What might be the differences inherent in these two setups? Does anyone know of any other integrated CD players I should be considering, less than $2.5k new? BTW, I can't afford the EC CD player, which would be awesome.

Thanks!
omains

Showing 1 response by highdudgeon

For the record, I have the EC AW-220s. Talk about sleepers -- these are amongst the best amps on the planet, period. The fact that you can buy a pair for around $2,300 or so has got to make them of the very best buys in high-end.