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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?
aberyclark
russellrcncom
305 posts
 

Everyone seems to be making logical arguments on this thread but this is a hobby which defies logic and reason.  You could almost make an argument that we are heading in the opposite direction.  How many amps and preamps in the $10K and up category are based on mono's or feature separate power supplies?   

I think that for the for the lower end of the spectrum (eg units with an MSRP of $1500 to $6000) integrated's are catching on.  The problem with the higher end units is availability to hear is limited.  Try finding a local dealer (I live outside of Boston) that offers T&A, Gryphon, AudioNet, or Ypsilon (SP?).  Good luck. 

At the upper end category it still seems to be an overseas (Europe and Asia)  phenomenon which explains the 240 voltage you see on many ads.  There just isn't that much of a market in the US for hi-end integrated's.  I hope in the next few years I'm proven wrong. 

        

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Smaller and more compact in general is a  the rage these days even with aging audiophiles.
simao's avatar
simao
1,719 posts
 
And yet aging audiophiles tend not to be smaller or more compact
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Unless I have a special situation that calls for tight quarters, I have no interest in an integrated for a main system.  Way too restrictive and full of more sonic compromise than needed, assuming you have budget beyond an integrated.  I love the flexibility of swapping out components individually.  
big_greg
6,554 posts
 
It’s nice to have options. I have two systems built around separates and two built around integrateds. The integrateds are in smaller rooms and are very enjoyable to listen to, probably even "overkill", especially in my home office where I listen to news more than music and rarely have the volume over just barely audible levels. It would be tough to fit separates into the same space where those systems exist.

It’s hard to imagine an integrated amp replacing my 180 watt tube monoblocks and tubed preamp, at least for anything close to what I spent on those pieces, but it would be attractive if something like that existed that provided the same level of sound quality and all the features I currently have.

Right tool for the right job and all that. 
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