2. amps-preamps
  3. 146319-12450

Why the facination with integrated amps?

I don’t get it. Is it the manufacturers spotting a trend with the tail wagging the dog or does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?
Pros;
Less space
One less set of IC’s
In theory-one less chassis/case to pay for
Shorter signal paths possible
Can combine transformer/cap function
Cons;
Power supply interference/spuriae
Reduced Flexibility-can’t switch amp or preamp as easily or go to monoblocs
Less resonance control
Long history of lesser performance per measurements and long-term subjective listening
Less resale value if it turns out to be a fad
Less liklihood of an extremely high performing active preamp

I freely admit I am a skeptic. The industry-like so many others-looks for new market niches to move product. 
FWIW, the only integrateds I myself would care to audition would be from Esoteric and Luxman who have a long history of designing no-compromise (low-compromise) high-end integrateds. 

128x128fsonicsmith

Showing 3 responses by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Integrated amplifiers? They have been around for decades and I would bet they have outsold separates by a large number.

glupson....Receivers!!! 100K to 1? 500K to 1? 1 million to 1?  Yeah, large numbers. 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
’Fascination’ looking for a reason... when you already have a position?

@grannyring is 100 percent correct in his prediction / assessment of the future, with respect to minimizing the number of components and offerings moving to all in one solutions.

In addition to the pros you listed, you can add one less power cord, one less isolation platform and perhaps even shelf if one is maximizing isolation. One less set of isolation devices, if one is going all in with isolation. One less outlet used in a power conditioner or a duplex in the wall. One less component to tweak, should one be into tweaking (and this one can add up, depending on the audiophile). Etc. AND this assumes a Preamp - Amp combination. Grannyring’s position saves at even higher levels.

Further, excepting the U.S. and a few other countries and the very wealthy (across the world) most people are living in smaller and smaller units that do not lend themselves to the footprint, cubic space, and cost that going with separates entails.

Since the vast majority (in billions, yes billions) are consuming music via a phone and earbuds or basic headphones...any investment by them will be made in inexpensive all in one devices, which they are already doing.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Since there's been much discussion of the higher end...

Homage to the 'reasonable' end of the what's possible (purely as an example):

Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Receiver USD $849 List.

MM/MC Phono; HD/FM/AM Tuner; Internet Radio; USB-B input; USB-A Input; Equalizer loop; Bass Management; Tone Control; Subwoofer Output; Headphone Output; Mini-jack Input; Accessory 5V DC Power; Digital Inputs; Pre-Out; Volume Control; Remote Control; etc. etc. etc.
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