Ultra-simple integrated?

[Joe Schmoe]

Going from my Onkyo receiver to a Cambridge 340A improved the sound of my system so much that my next upgrade may be an even better amp. The front and back panels of the 340A are relatively uncluttered, but still more than I need.
Is there an integrated with a pair of analog inputs for a CD player, an on/off switch, a volume control, outputs for one pair of speakers, and nothing else?

 

[fmw]

No, but there are power amps with volume controls.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

No, but there are power amps with volume controls.

Wouldn't that be an integrated by definition? Sounds like what I am looking for, though.

 

[fmw]

No, because it wouldn't have any preamplification. It is possible that the CD player wouldn't have enough output power to drive the amp to its full rated output but it would certainly drive it part way there.

Preamplifiers, by the way, are really very transparent. No reason not to use one.

My integrated has a switch that cuts all the audio processing out of the signal path. The signal only goes through an input switch and a volume potentiometer - and the preamp stage, of course. That's pretty uncluttered. Perhaps the brand you like has a similar feature.

 

[Swerd]

Look at the OmegaStar EX Integrated amp by Audio by Van Alstine. It certainly looks simple but costs $1500.

I'm not sure I follow your thinking in your original post that a simpler integrated amp should sound better.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

No, because it wouldn't have any preamplification. It is possible that the CD player wouldn't have enough output power to drive the amp to its full rated output but it would certainly drive it part way there.

Preamplifiers, by the way, are really very transparent. No reason not to use one.

My integrated has a switch that cuts all the audio processing out of the signal path. The signal only goes through an input switch and a volume potentiometer - and the preamp stage, of course. That's pretty uncluttered. Perhaps the brand you like has a similar feature.

Yes, the Cambridge 340A has a direct switch for bypassing everything but volume control. It seems to me, however, that if everything I bypass were not there to begin with it would be possible to achieve the same sound for less money. Also, fewer circuits would mean fewer opportunities for failure, increasing long-term reliability.
I also thought that the volume control on an integrated was for attenuating the signal rather than boosting it. On receivers, 0dB is typically maximum volume.

 

[TLS Guy]

Going from my Onkyo receiver to a Cambridge 340A improved the sound of my system so much that my next upgrade may be an even better amp. The front and back panels of the 340A are relatively uncluttered, but still more than I need.
Is there an integrated with a pair of analog inputs for a CD player, an on/off switch, a volume control, outputs for one pair of speakers, and nothing else?

I think you are looking for a product like this.

http://www.creekaudio.co.uk/main_product.asp?prolook=a50i

 

[fmw]

Yes, the Cambridge 340A has a direct switch for bypassing everything but volume control. It seems to me, however, that if everything I bypass were not there to begin with it would be possible to achieve the same sound for less money. Also, fewer circuits would mean fewer opportunities for failure, increasing long-term reliability.
I also thought that the volume control on an integrated was for attenuating the signal rather than boosting it. On receivers, 0dB is typically maximum volume.

Yes, that's right. The volume control attenuates the signal. It is the preamp that boosts it. I'm confused. If you have the integrated and you like it and it has the direct switch you consider important and it is paid for then why would you want something else - cheaper or otherwise?

 

[Pyrrho]

... It seems to me, however, that if everything I bypass were not there to begin with it would be possible to achieve the same sound for less money.

It may seem that way, but it usually does not work that way. The cost of a unit is not dependent only upon what is put into it, but also how many of them are made (as well as other factors, such as production efficiency, etc.). Since most people want some controls, they would not buy such an amplifier as you describe. Consequently, it is likely to cost more while giving you less.

Also, fewer circuits would mean fewer opportunities for failure, increasing long-term reliability.
...

While that is true, the kinds of circuits we are talking about tend to be very, very reliable, so it is unlikely to ever be an issue. And with a unit that can switch such circuits out of the signal path, it does not matter if they develop a fault such that they become noisy, as you are bypassing those circuits anyway.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I'm confused. If you have the integrated and you like it and it has the direct switch you consider important and it is paid for then why would you want something else - cheaper or otherwise?

If you are confused about that then you are on the wrong forum!
Upgraditis is a psychological disease for which the only cure is bankruptcy.
(The 340 combo has it at bay for now, though. This thread was motivated more by curiosity than a plan to buy in the near term.)

 

[Brett A]

I
Upgraditis is a psychological disease for which the only cure is bankruptcy.

I'm happy to be an exception to this rule. I have spent my way up the price chain to a comfy plateau of satisfaction (heck, blissful sates of audio envelopment!), and at a cost some would spend on a singe piece of equipment.
It can be done!!

 

[TLS Guy]

I'm happy to be an exception to this rule. I have spent my way up the price chain to a comfy plateau of satisfaction (heck, blissful sates of audio envelopment!), and at a cost some would spend on a singe piece of equipment.
It can be done!!

Don't worry Joe never buys on credit. He is an "Agent Provocateur"!

He has a quirky and dare I say, "cussed way" of making us think of problems form odd perspectives. I must say I quite enjoy his taunts.

I do think Joe has restless speaker syndrome though. Now that's a common affliction and with good reason.

Now that's got me thinking. Could I provide a cure for his syndrome without driving him into debt? Now that's a worthy challenge. The computer has been humming as well as the calculator. When the weather warms up in lakes country and I can open the doors and spend time in the shop. I can get the sun and enjoy a nice view of Benedict lake. It might get me in just the right mood for building.

 

[fmw]

If you are confused about that then you are on the wrong forum!
Upgraditis is a psychological disease for which the only cure is bankruptcy.
(The 340 combo has it at bay for now, though. This thread was motivated more by curiosity than a plan to buy in the near term.)

I did get out prior to bankruptcy (luckily) and now I try to help others from suffering the same affliction. Perhaps you are too far gone.

 

[Seth=L]

Joe, you need to settle down.

However, to answer the question in a round about way. Some CD players have preamps built in. While many of them don't feature inputs, the CD player has it's own active level control. Adcom offers such a player. The volume can be adjusted by the CD player's remote control and can be directly connected to a power amplifier. Adcom makes very good power amplifiers as well, so you could have that "matching" system.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Joe, you need to settle down.

Not to worry, I am quite pleased with my current system. For now.