receiver vs. integrated

[upgradeitis]

I've never owned an integrated amp before. For people who have owned both: Is it that much of a difference in the quality of sound between an integrated and a stereo or av receiver at the same price point with the same speakers for 2 channel music? I've been told by a friend that an integrated will sound better but I would like to know if it's only marginal or if it would be substantial. Any input is appreciated. Thanks guys

 

[Seth=L]

Sometimes the amplifier inside an Integrated will be more fit for driving difficult loads, that is about it. It also lacks a tuner.

 

[zumbo]

I've never owned an integrated amp before. For people who have owned both: Is it that much of a difference in the quality of sound between an integrated and a stereo or av receiver at the same price point with the same speakers for 2 channel music? I've been told by a friend that an integrated will sound better but I would like to know if it's only marginal or if it would be substantial. Any input is appreciated. Thanks guys

At the same price-point? No.

An AV receiver will add a sub-out with multiple crossover points(on most). Because of the market, you can get more power and features for the money with an AV receiver.

Upper mid to high-end AV receivers can handle a 4 ohm load just fine. However, most all integrated amps can handle 4 ohm loads.

It all depends on the application. But, for most, an AV receiver is the bang-for-the-buck. Even for 2-channel use.

 

[UFObuster]

separates better?

I have very limited experience here but I just bought a separate amp and can share my listening experience. I think that the overwhelming consensus is that separates are better....that being said, I think it depends ultimately on if your speakers (and input) will justify it. I have a Yamaha RX-V2600 (130wpc) which seemed OK last year with Klipsch RF-5 in front of my 5.1 HT system. I upgraded to the RF-7 (a very large speaker system) and moved the RF-5 to the rears. The yammi certainly was "loud" (powerful) and "detailed" enough...it is a fine receiver...but I didn't think I was getting what I had expected from a much better front speaker. I added a Rotel RB-1080 to drive the RF-7 front and the difference was very noticeable. Mid-range came alive with a lot more detail and bass improved (not the sub frequency but the middle to low). I don't know if the difference was from increased power (200wpc) or the improved performance of the separate amp and I'm sure everyone will have an opinion on that. I think it's both and I think the difference will be unique to sets of speaker driven. For the comparison, I listened to both set-ups in two-channel mode, balanced by SPL to same listening level and the Rotel was clearly better. Knowing that, I'll base future upgrades on developing a component system with separates.
(BTW: I'm mostly listening to music on CD, DVD 5.1, or DVD-A...whatever happens in movies is a bonus)
Hope that helps you a little.
Roger

 

[upgradeitis]

I would love to do seperates but I just don't think my budget will allow for it. I don't need a tuner as I never listen to radio, just cd's. I'm also thinking about getting an ipod(I know audiophiles just cringed) since I have so much music and get tired of lugging my cd's around. It seems that the consensus is for the same price point there won't be much difference between a receiver and an integrated for 2 channel. Does anybody have any suggestions for a good used pre/pro and amp that will do surround? I'm not using surround right now but may go 5.1 in the future so I guess I need an av receiver or budget seperates. I've pretty much decided I will go Marantz if I go receiver but not sure about seperates? Rotel maybe? I wouldn't want to spend more than $1200 for the preamp/amp combo if I go seperates. I know that's not much of a budget but it's what I have to work with.

 

[Seth=L]

I like Rotel seperates. I had a pre from them for a while and was very nice and wasn't tempermental with the Pioneer PD-65 I used to have.

 

[upgradeitis]

Thanks Seth. Any other suggestions?

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks Seth. Any other suggestions?

Adcom, and more recently Emotiva

 

[upgradeitis]

ID only kind of scares me about Emotiva. Seth, have you personally heard any of their products?

 

[Seth=L]

I have not, but intend to in the future. The best thing you can do is read reviews.

 

[upgradeitis]

Okay. Thanks guys

 

[biz97]

On Emotiva

I have heard the UL Emotiva Combo and it was an amazing deal especially when you factor in the price. Sound quality was extremely good. The only downsides are:

1) You won't have access to the newest features so you have to decide if Sound Quality or Features are the highest on your list.

2) They haven't been around long enough to establish a good sense of reliability on their gear. They do have a 5 year warranty on their stuff though...

I'd say it is definitely worth it. When/if I go back to multichannel, they will definitely be on my list. If I had the space I'd be all over the 2 channel ref system too.

 

[agarwalro]

Thanks Seth. Any other suggestions?

Anthem Statement is a killer amp serier. Here's a review for their 5-ch version, Anthem Statement P5

 

[jcPanny]

Integrated amp

Depending on the efficiency of your main speakers, you might consider a tube integrated amp like the Onix SP3. Only 40 Watts per channel, but some people prefer tubes for a audiophile 2 channel system.

 

[wire]

Depending on the efficiency of your main speakers, you might consider a tube integrated amp like the Onix SP3. Only 40 Watts per channel, but some people prefer tubes for a audiophile 2 channel system.

Yes JC
Good point , Tubes will give you a different sound than SS . I find it easyer on the ears .