Integrated Amp discussion...

[Out-Of-Phase]

I bought a Parasound integrated and new speakers last year thinking I would be listening to mostly music and would be fine with movies in stereo. I found that I missed the 3.1 and the LFE and went back to using my old receiver with the integrated's theater bypass option. Now whether I would notice a big difference in music just using my receiver over the integrated I don't know. I'd like to try at some point when I get the courage to re-wire everything. Biggest difference being I'm using Revel F206 as my mains and the receiver is an over 20 yr old 80 wpc Yamaha. I can say the Parasound is built solid. Not sure if would make the speakers "sing" as some use that term.

To audiophiles, the amplifier has to "sing" first, then it passes it down the chain to finally get to the speakers.

To them, if the amps don't sing, the speakers won't sing either.

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

It doesn't have to include the dirty words "audiophile" and "overpriced". Usually, quality gear that runs hot was designed to do so for a reason.

Yes, common sense matters and it tells me that limited puny transistors on tin foil heatsinks driving mega watts is not going to end well...

No, "audiophile" and "overpriced" aren't dirty words to the hi-end audio industry.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I bought a Parasound integrated and new speakers last year thinking I would be listening to mostly music and would be fine with movies in stereo. I found that I missed the 3.1 and the LFE and went back to using my old receiver with the integrated's theater bypass option. Now whether I would notice a big difference in music just using my receiver over the integrated I don't know. I'd like to try at some point when I get the courage to re-wire everything. Biggest difference being I'm using Revel F206 as my mains and the receiver is an over 20 yr old 80 wpc Yamaha. I can say the Parasound is built solid. Not sure if would make the speakers "sing" as some use that term.

This is the reason I think most people (including me) would never buy another integrated amp or stereo receiver. Either I’m buying a pre-pro + amp (for main system) or AVR (for secondary systems).

Been there and done that with all the integrated amps and stereo preamps.

 

[<eargiant]

"Most people" wouldn't buy a pre-pro or an AVR if they didn't need video capabilities either. Why should they? I have yet to see a valid argument supporting that viewpoint.

Why do some here assume that everybody wants or needs video processing in every system. There's so much bias here that you guys are blinded.

 

[PENG]

This is the reason I think most people (including me) would never buy another integrated amp or stereo receiver. Either I’m buying a pre-pro + amp (for main system) or AVR (for secondary systems).

Been there and done that with all the integrated amps and stereo preamps.

Probably, but people who have not been there and done that would likely go for it as part of the journey to find the truth... You should know that now.

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

"Why do some here assume that everybody wants or needs video processing in every system."

It's not that everyone needs video processing <eargiant, it's just that many AVRs represent good value per dollar. They can meet the needs of most consumers these days.

And if at some point you purchase a separate, external multi-channel amplifier, many AVRs have that capability built in.

 

[Mikado463]

This is the reason I think most people (including me) would never buy another integrated amp or stereo receiver. Either I’m buying a pre-pro + amp (for main system) or AVR (for secondary systems).

Been there and done that with all the integrated amps and stereo preamps.

Interesting , for some of us getting ready to retire and downsize look at the integrated as a acceptable alternative. Now I'm obviously talking to the two channel audio crowd to which I am a member but I for one see merit in a two channel integrated.

 

[GrimSurfer]

"Why do some here assume that everybody wants or needs video processing in every system."

It's not that everyone needs video processing <eargiant, it's just that many AVRs represent good value per dollar. They can meet the needs of most consumers these days.

And if at some point you purchase a separate, external multi-channel amplifier, many AVRs have that capability built in.

Perhaps you should give credit to eargiant and others who, through their own needs analysis, have determined that they don't need the features common to AVRs.

 

[GrimSurfer]

Interesting , for some of us getting ready to retire and downsize look at the integrated as a acceptable alternative. Now I'm obviously talking to the two channel audio crowd to which I am a member but I for one see merit in a two channel integrated.

Or one could go further. Two channel can fully meet the requirement for music listening, doing so with a more finely-attuned product (relative to the requirement) thereby avoiding the trade-offs of other product types.

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

Perhaps you should give credit to eargiant and others who, through their own needs analysis, have determined that they don't need the features common to AVRs.

Good point, GrimSurfer. I myself have multi-channel AV devices and several two-channel devices.

 

[lovinthehd]

Or one could go further. Two channel can fully meet the requirement for music listening, doing so with a more finely-attuned product (relative to the requirement) thereby avoiding the trade-offs of other product types.

But do they avoid tradeoffs or just trade on the assumption that they have no such? Or is it rather a product placement strategy with same general tech?

 

[GrimSurfer]

They allow r&d, design, and resources to be applied in areas unique to the musical requirement. The same thing applies in the opposite direction with AVRs.

And yes, product placement can play a role too. A great example of this is with Anthem products, which have 2, 3, and more channel products with virtually identical componentry. The difference, however, is that price is (almost) scaled accordingly.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Probably, but people who have not been there and done that would likely go for it as part of the journey to find the truth... You should know that now.

True. It’s like a bucket list. The sooner you check it off, the better.

So, yeah, if you've never owned integrated amps, stereo preamps, etc., go for it. Get it out of your system.

 

[<eargiant]

Bucket list? I highly doubt that anyone that tries a quality integrated to "get it out of their system" will ever go back to an AVR if they don't need the video processing and all the other bells & whistles. The tradeoffs are clear to anyone that is not biased.

Not to mention that there are sooo many quality integrated manufacturers out there that don't make AVRs. That greatly widens the pool of possible choices to more than just a few manufacturers in the AVR market.

Driver #1: My kids are all grown so I think I'm going to replace the 8 passenger minivan with a sedan that will better suit my needs.

Driver #2: Well, if you feel you have to get it out of your system go right ahead but I still think the minivan is just as good as a sedan. I learned that truth through experience.

Driver #1:

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Bucket list? I highly doubt that anyone that tries a quality integrated to "get it out of their system" will ever go back to an AVR if they don't need the video processing and all the other bells & whistles. The tradeoffs are clear to anyone that is not biased.

Not to mention that there are sooo many quality integrated manufacturers out there that don't make AVRs. That greatly widens the pool of possible choices to more than just a few manufacturers in the AVR market.

Driver #1: My kids are all grown so I think I'm going to replace the 8 passenger minivan with a sedan that will better suit my needs.

Driver #2: Well, if you feel you have to get it out of your system go right ahead but I still think the minivan is just as good as a sedan. I learned that truth through experience.

Driver #1:

Driver #3: I own a Lexus LX 570 that can seat 8 passengers. My wife drives Toyota minivan that can seat 8 passengers.

Wait, should I be driving a motorcycle if I'm by myself?

I really love driving my 8-passenger Lexus LX 570 even if I'm all by myself.

 

[<eargiant]

Driver #3: I own a Lexus LX 570 that can seat 8 passengers. My wife drives Toyota minivan that can seat 8 passengers.

Wait, should I be driving a motorcycle if I'm by myself?

I really love driving my 8-passenger Lexus LX 570 even if I'm all by myself.

Driver #1: That has nothing to do with what Driver #2 and me are talking about. I don't need either of your two vehicle types because they don't suit my needs (increased long term costs, reduced handling, etc.) and neither does a motorcycle. Why are you going to extremes to convince me that I shouldn't get a quality sedan? It's OK if you like your 8 passenger Lexus but it has drawbacks that I don't want to overlook for my needs.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Driver #1: That has nothing to do with what Driver #2 and me are talking about. I don't need either of your two vehicle types because they don't suit my needs and neither does a motorcycle. Why are you going to extremes to convince me that I shouldn't get a quality sedan?

Never take anyone's advice who enjoys driving a Lexus SUV regarding sedans or sports cars. I also remember that his dream vehicle was a Mercedes G-class. At least ADTG has better taste in speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Driver #1: That has nothing to do with what Driver #2 and me are talking about. I don't need either of your two vehicle types because they don't suit my needs and neither does a motorcycle. Why are you going to extremes to convince me that I shouldn't get a quality sedan?

No, this thread is about why the OP should get an integrated amp or AVR.

And we are giving our perspectives, which are all valid.

There is no right or wrong, just different views.

I admit that calling it a bucket list item is derogatory. I should have said that if you haven't tried an integrated amp and are very interested, you could just try it and see for yourself. There is no right or wrong.

There is an amp/preamp for everyone.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Never take anyone's advice who enjoys driving a Lexus SUV regarding sedans or sports cars. I also remember that his dream vehicle was a Mercedes G-class. At least ADTG has better taste in speakers.

Why you................

Mercedes G500 is GOAT - I don't care if it drives/ rides like a boat.

 

[<eargiant]

No, this thread is about why the OP should get an integrated amp or AVR.

And we are giving our perspectives, which are all valid.

There is no right or wrong, just different views.

I admit that calling it a bucket list item is derogatory. I should have said that if you haven't tried an integrated amp and are very interested, you could just try it and see for yourself. There is no right or wrong.

There is an amp/preamp for everyone.

In my view it is even simpler than that:

-If you DON'T need video capabilities, don't get an AVR. There is no valid reason to do so.​

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-If you DO need video capabilities then you must get an AVR (or Pre-Pro/Amp, etc.).​