Do you use an integrated in your main system?

I understand the desire to have a more simplified system by using an integrated in place of separates.
Avoiding the mix and match of trying to get individual pieces to play well together. Along with all of the additional cable combinations.
I however question having the DAC as an integral part of it.
While Pre and power amps continue to improve, it is the digital side that makes the larger steps in quality at a quicker pace.
Even with the ability to download digital upgrades it seems that this section is still the choke point of this all inclusive design.
I like the approach from Vinnie Rossi where he uses plug-in modules for DAC, tube buffer etc.
With this approach, as chips,OS,clocks etc change, the unit can be upgraded with a new replacement plug-in.
 
jadedavid said:
I understand the desire to have a more simplified system by using an integrated in place of separates.
Avoiding the mix and match of trying to get individual pieces to play well together. Along with all of the additional cable combinations.
I however question having the DAC as an integral part of it.
While Pre and power amps continue to improve, it is the digital side that makes the larger steps in quality at a quicker pace.
Even with the ability to download digital upgrades it seems that this section is still the choke point of this all inclusive design.
I like the approach from Vinnie Rossi where he uses plug-in modules for DAC, tube buffer etc.
With this approach, as chips,OS,clocks etc change, the unit can be upgraded with a new replacement plug-in.
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I also do not prefer DAC to be an integral part of it, mainly because I feel analog part should be separated from digital from purely sonic point of view. And to some degree due to the pace digital is improving and it just makes it less hassle from upgradability point of view. And also because how significant digital conversion can impact the entire system with different implementation/design philosophy.

I’m not too keen on plug-in DAC modules to the INT as well, unless digital side of power supply can be completely separated and can be assured of high quality, which usually translated to real estate. It’s just hard packing everything in one box.

But do think streaming/rendering part could be part of digital to analog conversion. MSB implementation of this improves the transparency by a couple of folds in my system. Can’t say about others as I have no experience with it.
 
In my Man Cave I have 3 integrated amps I use on and off- all HH Scotts - a 272, 296 and 299C. My son has a 299D. Gotta love those HUGE transformers!!!
 
For over 30 years I had been using a Counterpoint SA 3.1 tube preamp and an Adcom GFA555 power amp. Last year I switched to a McIntosh MA252 integrated and haven't looked back. It couples so well with my Harbeth speakers.
 
Excellent!

My brother has the MA252 and loves it. I'm sure it great with your Compact 7ES-3

Tubes said:
For over 30 years I had been using a Counterpoint SA 3.1 tube preamp and an Adcom GFA555 power amp. Last year I switched to a McIntosh MA252 integrated and haven't looked back. It couples so well with my Harbeth speakers.
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The Anthem 225 I was pretty good for the price, but the Hegel H360 is so musical. If I hadn't brought it home to try I wouldn't have thought any of my other amps or int's were lacking. Now considering going all in on the dsp8000 i'll have no need for it and there's some inner conflict going on.
 
I use an Integrated in main system.
It’s DussunS8, very powerfull amp.
Works with Infinity Re90. As a source play another chinese - cd player Esound CD-E5se. I’m really satisfied.
 
had 3 integrated amps in the system in past 6 weeks . oldie amp arcam a85 which was ok ish . arcam a75 which has a warm textured sound and is rather delightful . it may not have the slam and blast of some amps but its very very engaging . then a sugden a21se pure class a in system . very muscular , bit warmer than the naim sn2 . we shall see how we get on with different speakers . i anticipate it sounding good with the tannoy eaton
 
T+A PA3100HV. After countless, McIntosh, Pass Labs, Spectral separates . This is by far my favorite. I've owned 2 other integrateds Rogers EHF-200MKII (LOVED), and a Vitus SIA-025 (over rated).
 
I'll be using a Luxman 509x to drive a pair of Harbeth Super HL 5+ Anniversary model speakers.....after the first of the year. I've already purchased the speakers, cables, and stands. I'll add the Luxman 509x, Lumin D2, Roon Nucleus, headphone amp (maybe Schiit Vali or Valhalla), and a sub, immediately after the first of the year. The purchase is divided into two increments for tax reasons. The wait is a killer but I gotta be patient.
 
Nice , the luxman is on my list to try one day . The sugden a21se was absolutely superb with the tannoy eaton legacy . the remote is a bit hard to get precise volume but apart from that it was a superb integrated amp
 
"[...Pretty much all of the reference level integrateds I've seen still look quite compromised compared to their separates brethren...]"

Quite compromised? How so? Could you be more specific?

"[...I do however wish more manufacturers would push the boundaries with integrateds....]"

It seems to me there are a significant number of manufacturers "pushing the boundaries of integrateds." For example, Luxman, Gryphon, T + A, Hegel, VAC, MBL, Pass, McIntosh, Audio Research, Goldmund, and many, many, others.

"[...I often feel the disparity between separates and integrateds is too large....]"

Really? Don't get me wrong, I'm far from an expert on this subject as I'm a recent returnee to high end audio after about a 40 year hiatus. But it's my understanding that integrateds have come a long way in that time period, to the point where many integrateds match up very well with their "separates brethren", whether you're talking specs or live listening. I'm not sure this post will get a response since this is an older thread. But, for me, I think especially from a performance standpoint, the current choice of integrateds stack up very well against separates. However, for some, there are certainly reasons to go with separates.....higher performance in some cases and a better chance of being able to operate your system if something goes down (a very legit reason), etc. To me, the main disadvantages of separates are the cable/connection and room/space issues. But, I think integrateds today often equal and perhaps in some cases surpass the performance of some separates. And in some cases, the sonic differences between integrateds and their comparable separates are virtually inaudible. I'm one of those who have a relatively small listening room (12' x 27') and going integrated is a more viable alternative. And I don't feel like I'll be giving up any performance advantages.
 
bluegrassphile said:
"[...Pretty much all of the reference level integrateds I've seen still look quite compromised compared to their separates brethren...]"

Quite compromised? How so? Could you be more specific?

"[...I do however wish more manufacturers would push the boundaries with integrateds....]"

It seems to me there are a significant number of manufacturers "pushing the boundaries of integrateds." For example, Luxman, Gryphon, T + A, Hegel, VAC, MBL, Pass, McIntosh, Audio Research, Goldmund, and many, many, others.

"[...I often feel the disparity between separates and integrateds is too large....]"

Really? Don't get me wrong, I'm far from an expert on this subject as I'm a recent returnee to high end audio after about a 40 year hiatus. But it's my understanding that integrateds have come a long way in that time period, to the point where many integrateds match up very well with their "separates brethren", whether you're talking specs or live listening. I'm not sure this post will get a response since this is an older thread. But, for me, I think especially from a performance standpoint, the current choice of integrateds stack up very well against separates. However, for some, there are certainly reasons to go with separates.....higher performance in some cases and a better chance of being able to operate your system if something goes down (a very legit reason), etc. To me, the main disadvantages of separates are the cable/connection and room/space issues. But, I think integrateds today often equal and perhaps in some cases surpass the performance of some separates. And in some cases, the sonic differences between integrateds and their comparable separates are virtually inaudible. I'm one of those who have a relatively small listening room (12' x 27') and going integrated is a more viable alternative. And I don't feel like I'll be giving up any performance advantages.
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Most manufacturers that offer an integrated solution will tell you that they could not possibly offer a comparable separates solution at anywhere close to the same cost/price point. Gryphon, who offers what most would consider a couple of high end integrateds, is a case in point. Do they offer even better sounding separates? Sure, but at much higher price points. So if it's just performance you're after and price, space, cables, power, etc, are not critical, buy separates.
 
GSOphile said:
Most manufacturers that offer an integrated solution will tell you that they could not possibly offer a comparable separates solution at anywhere close to the same cost/price point. Gryphon, who offers what most would consider a couple of high end integrateds, is a case in point. Do they offer even better sounding separates? Sure, but at much higher price points. So if it's just performance you're after and price, space, cables, power, etc, are not critical, buy separates.
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Absolutely agree.
 
nomad said:
using an Yamaha AS2100.
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I have read nothing but highly positive comments regarding the Yamaha AS 1100 and AS 2100. They seem to be very underrated and overlooked amps by audiophiles. Easily two of the best amps in their class and very competitive with the most esoteric integrated amps.
 
I am still very much enjoying my Luxman L590AXII Class A integrated, Luxman D-06U SACD/USB player and a pair of Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary speakers. Killer musical system for the money invested. Thanks Mike!
 
TheOctopus said:
Very happy with the Luxman L-590AX Mark II so far. Just arrived yesterday. Sounded pretty damn great out of the box and this morning it really sounds fantastic. Driving the Harbeth 30.2 effortlessly, it sounds plenty ballsy yet velvety smooth with midrange sweetness that is very addicting. Does not leave me wanting something else, I can see myself spending years upon years with this combo which is very musical and non-fatiguing. Exactly what I was hoping for. I've owned enough much higher end gear to be confident in what I am hearing. ;)
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Serge, was there any particular reason you didn't go with the 509x? I'm just curious since I'll also have Harbeth speakers (my Super HL 5+ Anniversaries are currently being built).
 
bluegrassphile said:
Serge, was there any particular reason you didn't go with the 509x? I'm just curious since I'll also have Harbeth speakers (my Super HL 5+ Anniversaries are currently being built).
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My listening room is not small at 30x26 but based on my previous experience of various systems I have built over the years I knew that the Class A 590 would drive the speakers I chose (30.2) with room to spare. In fact I often listen to my PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated in triode mode which is only some 30w from EL-34 tubes and it’s more than enough.

When it comes to solid state, I prefer class A for the slightly sweeter and warmer signature that it typically offers. No other reason really.
 
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