I don’t think it makes much sense to discuss which component has more or less importance or impact. As others have said, it’s a system and every component is critical. That said, in my system I hear bigger differences between preamps than amps, and I did end up spending more on my preamp than my amp. But my speakers are relatively highly efficient, and my guess is that has something to do with why amps don’t sound as dramatically different compared to preamps in my particular system. If I had less efficient speakers or a different system my spending could’ve been completely opposite, which is why I don’t think there’s much point to making general conclusions on what’s more or less important.
And as far as sacrificing quality with an integrated, I don’t buy that. There are advantages and disadvantages both ways and depends more on parts quality and how well the amp is designed. Again, blanket statements that one or the other is superior is pointless and decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis IMHO.
And as far as sacrificing quality with an integrated, I don’t buy that. There are advantages and disadvantages both ways and depends more on parts quality and how well the amp is designed. Again, blanket statements that one or the other is superior is pointless and decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis IMHO.