Going from separates to an integrated. Have you been satisfied?

[stereofanboy]

Assuming we could reach agreement on what constitutes better and how those qualities could be quantified, you can always find an integrated better than a separate pairing.

Until, that is, you reach the tippy top of the integrated pile. At that point, there will probably be some separates left on the table. Until that point, argument about whether integrated or separate is better is a meaningless waste of time.

In my price range, there are some separate power amps that can handle the tough loads presented by the speakers I prefer. Integrateds in my price range that can do it are are far fewer if indeed there are any so my choice is necessitated by my speaker choices.

Two of my three systems currently in rotation utilize easy to drive speakers. One has an integrated and the other a receiver. Horses for courses.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Since this thread popped back up, I'm kinda curious what the OP ended with, if anything.

I looked back at his posts and saw that he had trouble getting an MA8900 in new condition. Physical damage, Electrical damage, 2-month waits each time for a new in the box unit he had paid for and had to go through 4 of them and then Mc wanted to repair his new never used amp and even after arguing and Mc agreeing to try one more time he went with a Luxman, upgrade for less money. Two closed threads because the McIntosh folks were very territorial about their brand when some others dropped in to talk about sound quality and such. A couple multi-page threads seemed revealing of sound quality on some units. When it got to people bashing they were rightly closed. Doesn't matter what gear folks have if they like it better than another brand, so be it. They aren't wrong, it's their preference.

 

[Quadman2]

Have gone both ways in using the power devices.

Have found with the newer A/V receiver, it does give a lot more flexibility and can modify the sound to suit the genre/type of movie/docu that I view in a 5.1 format. Then there's the HDMI connections to consider with the different inputs available.

The vint audio system has a mandated pre/amp set up, so no choice in the matter.

Q

 

[tarior]

I looked back at his posts and saw that he had trouble getting an MA8900 in new condition. Physical damage, Electrical damage, 2-month waits each time for a new in the box unit he had paid for and had to go through 4 of them and then Mc wanted to repair his new never used amp and even after arguing and Mc agreeing to try one more time he went with a Luxman, upgrade for less money. Two closed threads because the McIntosh folks were very territorial about their brand when some others dropped in to talk about sound quality and such. A couple multi-page threads seemed revealing of sound quality on some units. When it got to people bashing they were rightly closed. Doesn't matter what gear folks have if they like it better than another brand, so be it. They aren't wrong, it's their preference.

I think that was a different guy.

 

[sqlsavior]

FWIW, in hindsight or a do-over, I would get the 20w class-A Luxman integrated instead of my 100w class A/B Luxman L-505u.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I think that was a different guy.

oops, you are right. It was LostArk. sorry.

 

[tarior]

oops, you are right. It was LostArk. sorry.

I found the threads. That was a hell of an ordeal. Wowza.

 

[tubelectron]

Going from separates to an integrated. Have you been satisfied?​

I have both types : integrated and separate, being cheap or costy, tube or solid-state, vintage or recent... Frankly, I am satisfied in each category, no issue really !

From cheap 1964 BELL 2420...

To High-End Accuphase E-560, with DAC-50 and AD-50 extension cards...

And McIntosh MA-6800...

From 1974 Audio Research SP3A1 + D76...

To McIntosh C712 + MC7100...

And DIY units...

That said, speaking about High-End integrated of comparable level of initial price : I'll easily place the Accuphase E-560 over the McIntosh MA-6800 - But it is strictly personal, OK ?

T

 

[E2]

Google Search

 

[E2]

The thing I like about the Yamaha and Denon units is that they have real volume controls. I'm one of those odd folks who actually likes to use the front panel volume control, so the feel of it is important.

Leak has a Volume control.

 

[tarior]

Leak has a Volume control.

It also has a cool vintage look and IMO, a pretty reasonable price tag.

 

[E2]

It also has a cool vintage look and IMO, a pretty reasonable price tag.

I like the package. Although not some near 200 WPC amp I think it would pair well with my Mani 2's.

I have never had a modern amp. (Something less than ten years old now)

Something like the Musical Fidelity A 308, but for the price, and age I am not interested anymore. Nice amp though.

There are certainly many similar options in this price range as Kevin states above. But I like the look, layout, and features. I like the input selector. Even has a metal remote, which for example was an upgrade option on the A 308.

The question is buy new since you get a three year warranty which I think you shouldn't need if the unit is good.

Not everybody has one, another nice thing. Lack of saturation.

 

[tarior]

I'd think if it were a good amp, you should go quite awhile before it needs to be serviced. I don't know much about it though.

 

[E2]

Many, many moons.......

I am going to keep pounding away on the Denon 980 R.

I have to move my just sitting AU 919. (No I am not offering it for sale mods)

 

[tarior]

AU919 is a pretty sweet amp.

 

[E2]

AU919 is a pretty sweet amp.

Should cost a several hundred to service? More? Not interested. It served me well for several years at a very low cost.

(I would have a functioning Yamaha CR 2040 done, they both sound the same, similar power, cheaper to service the 2040)

Just one thing from the knoll of junk I have accumulated that would go towards something up to date.

 

[tarior]

Should cost a several hundred to service? More? Not interested. It served me well for several years at a very low cost.

(I would have a functioning Yamaha CR 2040 done, they both sound the same, similar power, cheaper to service the 2040)

Just one thing from the knoll of junk I have accumulated that would go towards something up to date.

I'd love to have one. Luckily I can do the work on those myself. As much as I love vintage gear, I can concede that it isn't for everyone.
If you're in the market, there are a couple of good deals in Bartertown for a Yamaha A-S1100 and a A-S1200 right now. Probably what I would go with if I were going to buy a new(er) integrated amp. The A-S1200 is a current production model.

 

[E2]

I'd love to have one. Luckily I can do the work on those myself. As much as I love vintage gear, I can concede that it isn't for everyone.
If you're in the market, there are a couple of good deals in Bartertown for a Yamaha A-S1100 and a A-S1200 right now. Probably what I would go with if I were going to buy a new(er) integrated amp. The A-S1200 is a current production model.

The 919, like the 2040 have a modern sound to them. They certainly aren't "Warm" sounding.

I thought about those. Eh. I still like the Leak. I would lean towards Denon's Anniversary from 2010 if I were going in that direction.

One thing about the Leak it not only looks vintage, but it has a more vintage sound. That has me interested. A cross between modern, and old.

I will wait for better prices on the 230.

 

[tarior]

The 919, like the 2040 have a modern sound to them. They certainly aren't "Warm" sounding.

I thought about those. Eh. I still like the Leak. I would lean towards Denon's Anniversary from 2010 if I were going in that direction.

One thing about the Leak it not only looks vintage, but it has a more vintage sound. That has me interested. A cross between modern, and old.

I will wait for better prices on the 230.

That's fair. I really like the look and build quality of the Yamaha amps I mentioned. TBH, I don't really care for the sound of vintage Yamaha gear, aside from their turntables and CD players, but I like their newer products. I don't think you could go wrong with the Denon either.

 

[E2]

That's fair. I really like the look and build quality of the Yamaha amps I mentioned. TBH, I don't really care for the sound of vintage Yamaha gear, aside from their turntables and CD players, but I like their newer products. I don't think you could go wrong with the Denon either.

The 2040 doesn't sound any different than the 919. I had a couple Sansui receivers, the 9090 being the one everybody gets excited about. The 9090 sounded like a warm vintage amp. The 919 sounds modern. I didn't care for the 9090. I just wished I kept it a decade longer.....Vintage Sansui receivers love to loose a channel if they sit for a short period of time, a month or so. I had that issue with three different ones. Including the 9090. I had others attest to this issue back in the day on here.....

I like the look of Yamaha also. That's why I would do something with the 2040. Really nice unit that doesn't get much love in the vintage receiver market.