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integrateds in the modern age: consensus?

Hi everyone,

Integrated amps are pretty well established now as a viable component category. I don't think are many people left who scoff at the basic concept of an integrated.

Is there any sort of general consensus that has been reached on the issue of integrateds vs. separates at a given price point? As in, would a great $5000 integrated -generally- be considered equivalent in standing to a great $2500 preamp plus a great $2500 power amp? The answer's probably no, but I thought it would be interesting to see.
lousyreeds1

Showing 2 responses by panderso

panderso
156 posts
 
Plinius 9100 & 9200 are definitely on my short list. I have to drive about 6 hours to hear one though, unless I care to order without an audition.
panderso
156 posts
 
Interesting thread. I've been wrestling with this again. Early in my audiophile career, I made several upgrades in certain product lines from integrated to separates, and the move to separates was always a big improvement. But that was then, and in a total price range under $6K.

I'm not so sure that experience is necessarily applicable any more; now that the market is crowded with ambitious integrateds from high-end manufacterers, especially clustered around the $2500-6K range.

Edge, Chord, now PS Audio with its 'control amp', Plinius, SimAudio, a new Bryston integrated, the Bel Canto Evo 2i, Lavardin, YBA, Unison, a host of good tube integrateds; Pathos, Prima Luna, ASL, BAT, ARC; - the list just keeps growing. I think you're getting hard-pressed to say you've found separates for no more money that blow all these away - but let us know.

Interested to hear from more from tekkies who can explain in lay terms the inherent engineering advantages and disadvantages between separates and integrateds...Eldartford made a pretty good start...
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