2. amps-preamps
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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
goose
668 posts
 
The new Aesthetix mimas with the phono stage option has caught my attention. 
stevenyc
23 posts
 
I heard the Aesthetix Mimas with a pair of Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT speakers and they sounded incredible. Soundstage came at me from every angle. I just could not believe heft it delivered. Mind you, this is a 150 WPC integrated with more than enough power. On the other-hand, my 120 WPC Simaudio W-3 is decent, but the Aesthetix really drove those babies. Full disclosure: I have the Vandersteen Treo CTs and torn between the  Audio Research tubed separates vs. the Mimas. What do you think and have you had any experience with either models?


Cheers
audiofound
81 posts
 
It is with me. I'm currently looking at several brands of integrated amps to go with my Harbeth speakers. I could look at separates but in many cases you'll be spending more money on an amp/preamp and additional cables. The separates may or may not sound better. But integrated amps are fast gaining ground especially from a sonic quality perspective.
samlucas091
24 posts
 
I can't get away from separates because no preamp section on integrated amps really do it for me quite as well, The main issue  being I think that power supplies for each given section seems to improve things. But I always love to simplify and reduce interconnects and steps if I can... which can seem to degrade the sound, it's really a very good battle/debate as far as ultimate transparency goes.
mmeeks100
9 posts
 
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.
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