integrated amp ve separate units

[shaikh shoaib]

In the next couple of years, I have a plan to have separte system for music only. Music sources will be online music (spotify), LP records and CD. I know a stereo/integrated amp will do the job. However some people use preamp, DAC and power amp as separated unit instead of a all in one unit.
Are there any difference in sound quality?
The question is not totally about saving money but to save power/space, I may go for a bit expensive integrated amp like Peachtree nova 300 with pair of either bookshelpf/floor standing speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

Some of us use avrs and subs. DAC wouldn't do a thing for your turntable unless it is a usb model and maybe not even then. Sound quality differences are minor among electronics IMHO. Concentrate on the speakers and room.

 

[shaikh shoaib]

Some of us use avrs and subs. DAC wouldn't do a thing for your turntable unless it is a usb model and maybe not even then. Sound quality differences are minor among electronics IMHO. Concentrate on the speakers and room.

Yeah DAC would come into play for Internet and CD music. Agree with room coustics and speakers.
It would be good to know if there are any solid reaon people use separate devices

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah DAC would come into play for Internet and CD music. Agree with room coustics and speakers.
It would be good to know if there are any solid reaon people use separate devices

I have separate 2ch gear (older stuff in my journey) in a few spare rooms but use my avrs primarily, the 2ch stuff is just not as capable nor makes the room as useful as I prefer internet/video integration as well as multi-ch sound. Integrated amp generally to me is just an an old 2ch receiver without a tuner, let alone digital, video, multi-ch, bass management capabilities that an avr can bring to the table. What speakers are you using?

 

[TLS Guy]

In the next couple of years, I have a plan to have separte system for music only. Music sources will be online music (spotify), LP records and CD. I know a stereo/integrated amp will do the job. However some people use preamp, DAC and power amp as separated unit instead of a all in one unit.
Are there any difference in sound quality?
The question is not totally about saving money but to save power/space, I may go for a bit expensive integrated amp like Peachtree nova 300 with pair of either bookshelpf/floor standing speakers.

So the question really is do you need two spaces because the home occupants want different program at the same time? If no, you do not need a separate system. Invest all your money in one good system. There is no reason why the audio of an AV system has to give any quarter as regards audio quality to any audio only system.

If the answer is yes, then why do you not want the ability to have a picture in your second room? I can get a picture with all my systems now. Not being able to get a picture is limiting to what you can use that room for.

There seems to be some sort of myth around that an AV system can not deliver audio nirvana. That whole concept is just wrong.

 

[Bucknekked]

I used to subscribe to the separate 2 channel system as some sort of audio perfection and then put video and movies somewhere else because they involve compromise. I don't believe that anymore. Any system that can create a stellar audio only experience can be expanded upon for video and picture with no loss in quality for the base audio system. With the equipment available today, you don't need to limit your vision.

 

[shaikh shoaib]

My plan is to buy a different speakers

So the question really is do you need two spaces because the home occupants want different program at the same time? If no, you do not need a separate system. Invest all your money in one good system. There is no reason why the audio of an AV system has to give any quarter as regards audio quality to any audio only system.

If the answer is yes, then why do you not want the ability to have a picture in your second room? I can get a picture with all my systems now. Not being able to get a picture is limiting to what you can use that room for.

There seems to be some sort of myth around that an AV system can not deliver audio nirvana. That whole concept is just wrong.

Long term plan is to have separate system on a different room while the kids are busy watching movies.

 

[PENG]

In the next couple of years, I have a plan to have separte system for music only. Music sources will be online music (spotify), LP records and CD. I know a stereo/integrated amp will do the job. However some people use preamp, DAC and power amp as separated unit instead of a all in one unit.
Are there any difference in sound quality?
The question is not totally about saving money but to save power/space, I may go for a bit expensive integrated amp like Peachtree nova 300 with pair of either bookshelpf/floor standing speakers.

There are integrated amps with build in DAC and an asynchonous USB input that allows you to play music from your computers without compromising sound quality but I found they typically put in DACs with lower specs just to save a couple of dollars. I think most people will not hear differences in SQ between DACs but I still prefer to have separate external DAC for other reasons. So for me, I would get the best integrated amp you can get for your budget and add an external DAC of your choice.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

IMO, I say just get a nice AVR or Pre-pro + Amp and forget about integrated amps.

I've looked and compared many measurements in magazines, and I think Integrated Amps usually measure less favorably than many AVR and Pre-pros in terms of SNR, Crosstalk, THD, and Power output.

In the end, they can all sound great, depending on the original source and the rest of the system.

So I recommend getting just a single AVR or Pre-Pro + Amp, instead of the Integrated Amp.

 

[lsiberian]

I'd get a new receiver for the main setup and retire my old receiver to the stereo setup.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

The primary reason for separates is flexibility, plus a secondary reason being that many manufacturers reserve the higher quality units in their catalog for separates.

If, and only if, you find an integrated that has the sound quality you require or desire, and the power output you need, with the flexibility and number of inputs you need, then it is a viable alternative. The problem being that the number of integrateds in the marketplace is much smaller than the number of separates. But if it meets your needs, by all means choose an integrated.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...

Long term plan is to have separate system on a different room while the kids are busy watching movies.

Are you really going to listen to music while the kids are watching a movie or play games?
Will the two rooms be sonically isolated from each other not to interfere??

 

[shaikh shoaib]

Are you really going to listen to music while the kids are watching a movie or play games?
Will the two rooms be sonically isolated from each other not to interfere??

Yup, I will make sure the door is closed

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Are you really going to listen to music while the kids are watching a movie or play games?
Will the two rooms be sonically isolated from each other not to interfere??

That's a good point. Even if the doors are closed, the walls and doors are not soundproof. And kids get loud and so will their movies. And any improvements in SNR, crosstalk, THD will be for nothing.

But even if somehow there is no "crosstalk" between the 2 rooms , I say the best bet is a nice AVR or Pre-pro + Amp.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Verdinut]

IMO, the new Yamaha A-S801 Integrated amp, which Gene recently reviewed might be a good option. It is well built and has a built-in decent DAC:
http://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/yamaha-a-s801-amplifier-review