My previous system had a 3 box preamp, and biamped speakers with a stereo amp and a pair of class A mono amps plus an external crossover. When the time came to replace it (after 25 years), I replaced all of that with a network streamer (Aurender N10) and and integrated amp (Levinson 585). Instead of buying a whole bunch of interconnects, power cables, and speaker cables, I just had to buy a few. Given today’s prices for good cables, eliminating even one pair of cables saves a LOT of money. I really like the simplicity of the integrated amp, and I suspect eliminating the extra cable helps the sound quality.
Is integrated the future for 2 channel audiophiles?
More and more integrated hitting the shelves. Although, there are plenty of dedicated preamps, I have just noticed lots of increased discussions over the past 2 years for integrated amps.
In general, consumers are downsizing. Baby boomers retiring and going to smaller homes. Millennials and gen z prefer smaller homes as well ( in general - there are always exceptions).
I think the turntable trendiness has leveled off ( there will always be vinyl fans...I’m talking about the people purchasing because it’s trendy).
The masses probably favor a/v receivers. However, it seems integrated amp choices has increased quite a bit for 2 channel fans.
Thoughts?
In general, consumers are downsizing. Baby boomers retiring and going to smaller homes. Millennials and gen z prefer smaller homes as well ( in general - there are always exceptions).
I think the turntable trendiness has leveled off ( there will always be vinyl fans...I’m talking about the people purchasing because it’s trendy).
The masses probably favor a/v receivers. However, it seems integrated amp choices has increased quite a bit for 2 channel fans.
Thoughts?