Integrated vs pre+power

[daninor]

Wouldnt surprize me if this has already been covered a few times, but my searches turned up with nothing, so I'll start up a new one.

In terms of amplifiers in the two-channel audio setup, what are the real pros (and cons, if any) of separated preamp and poweramp.

Lets say a high-end audio manufacturer has an integrated amp, poweramp and preamp in its product range, and all are top notch products at around $5000 apiece. That would sort of been where I am right now - why should I double the cost and buy separates? I think I will manage with integrated amp, but can anyone give me some tips on what benefits there are in terms of the listening experience and others as well of having separate amps.

Thanks

 

[jaxvon]

The only real benefit of going with separates is the ability to get much more power. Integrated amps don't generally go above 200wpc or so. If the pieces you're looking at are about the same in power rating, then the integrated should do fine.

Also, in terms of absolute fidelity, a separates setup should have better noise rejection, but this would vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

[highfihoney]

Intergrateds offer ease of use & are more cost effective but seperates IMO are the only way to go,seperates offer more system flexibility to upgrade or change things when needed,seperate transformers are also a benifit of running stand alone amps & pre's,lower niose floor,no shared critical components,easier to resell when you upgrade.

 

[don maico]

For me separates are just an excuse for manufacturers and retailers to make shedloads more money out of punters. They even go so far as to split pre and power into their respective power supplies from their main units so you end up with a stack of boxes and loads of interconnects which in themselves cost an arm and a leg to buy .Maybe I am being cynical but I've had a pre power and an integrated and can see no benefits in the former. Maybe a little flexibilty in that you can change one or the other but thats it.

 

[Nick250]

I agree with don maico and would also add that IMO the point of diminishing returns for amplification, be it separates or receiver, kicks in real hard around two grand, probably even less. Assuming properly designed amps (most are) the contribution of amplification in the over all sound quality of your system may well be less than if your moved one of your speakers a foot or toed them in or out a few degrees.

Nick

 

[don maico]

Naim Audio are on of the worst offenders for the "upgrading" phenomena ie youy buy a an integreated whcih you can then have converted to a pre which means buying a separate power amp and then of course, the separate power supplies kick in and so it goes . Lots of black boxes = loads of wonga ($)By the time you've reached the zenith you've parted with the best part of anyhting between 15 to 50 grand Nice bit of business for Naim I'd say:

http://www.naim-audio.com/products/system_5.html

Then if you want to spend even more of your hard earned wonga you could buy another power supply/amp and biamp.
I sometimes wonder whether people go down this route to impress others rather than just enjoy music

 

[highfihoney]

Naim Audio are on of the worst offenders for the "upgrading" phenomena ie youy buy a an integreated whcih you can then have converted to a pre which means buying a separate power amp and then of course, the separate power supplies kick in and so it goes . Lots of black boxes = loads of wonga ($)By the time you've reached the zenith you've parted with the best part of anyhting between 15 to 50 grand Nice bit of business for Naim I'd say:

http://www.naim-audio.com/products/system_5.html

Then if you want to spend even more of your hard earned wonga you could buy another power supply/amp and biamp.
I sometimes wonder whether people go down this route to impress others rather than just enjoy music

Have you ever tried any of these type high end components?,i'll agree with the law of diminishing returns but to a person who has invested as much time,effort & cash as many of us have the small benifits from running seperate everything just might be a worthy expendature for a system that has taken sometimes decades to build.

Remember not everybodys cash flow is the same & what seems to be a waste to you may be a good value to others.

 

[don maico]

Have you ever tried any of these type high end components?,i'll agree with the law of diminishing returns but to a person who has invested as much time,effort & cash as many of us have the small benifits from running seperate everything just might be a worthy expendature for a system that has taken sometimes decades to build.

Remember not everybodys cash flow is the same & what seems to be a waste to you may be a good value to others.

Thats ok , each to their own. I simply express an opinion thats all I am believer in value and integrity and based on my own experiences I believe there is precious little of either but then I may be being cynical.