Integrated Amp advice for beginner

[Audiofreak71]

Thank you very much for the advice. Your system looks amazing. Bet it sounds that way, too. I'm glad to know that sound quality can be just as good with an integrated, which was something I was intuitively hoping for, given my budget. I'm also grateful for all the expertise and knowledge AK offers. So thanks for posting!

Just to be clear , Integrateds that are just as good or better than seperates in sound quality and build quality cost real money , so don’t expect a budget integrated or budget seperates for that matter to blow your socks off . However if you choose wisely and work your way up the ladder you can get to that mind blowing exceptional sound that comes from a very good integrated and or separates. Good luck in your search .

Audiofreak71

 

[Hifiler]

Just to be clear , Integrateds that are just as good or better than seperates in sound quality and build quality cost real money , so don’t expect a budget integrated or budget seperates for that matter to blow your socks off .

Absolutely great advice, and nearly always true. But sometimes you get lucky.

For example, the integrated amp in my main 2-channel system right now, a Marantz 1060 that was completely restored by somebody who apparently really knew what they were doing, which I got right here on BT, sounds better than every other single integrated or pair of separates that I have tried in this system over the last six or seven years, some costing much greater than 10x more.

Believe me, I'm always trying to unseat it. Next up will be a 300b SET integrated. Sometimes you get lucky, and a single piece of gear just works perfectly with your speakers, room, and other electronics.

Did I mention I got the 1060 on Bartertown here (within the OP's budget)? That is reason enough to join AK as a member to get the ability to purchase some amazing gear, for great prices, often not available anyplace else.

 

[Audiofreak71]

Absolutely great advice, and nearly always true. But sometimes you get lucky.

For example, the integrated amp in my main 2-channel system right now, a Marantz 1060 that was completely restored by somebody who apparently really knew what they were doing, which I got right here on BT, sounds better than every other single integrated or pair of separates that I have tried in this system over the last six or seven years, some costing much greater than 10x more.

Believe me, I'm always trying to unseat it. Next up will be a 300b SET integrated. Sometimes you get lucky, and a single piece of gear just works perfectly with your speakers, room, and other electronics.

Did I mention I got the 1060 on Bartertown here (within the OP's budget)? That is reason enough to join AK as a member to get the ability to purchase some amazing gear, for great prices, often not available anyplace else.

You are absolutely correct , some have been extremely lucky to come across those excellent pieces of gear for near nothing , or there’s those who are very diligent and find those deals . All in all it all boils down to being patient and that (imo) is the most important part of this hobby that must be taken into account, because if your not then we might as well find another hobby . BT is hands down a gold mine and we have become such a large family here that someone who is new or just getting into this hobby can find a piece of gear that is very nice and well within there budget and we can keep giving back in this circle of life in the audio world.

Audiofreak71

 

[Grenadeslio]

Absolutely great advice, and nearly always true. But sometimes you get lucky.

For example, the integrated amp in my main 2-channel system right now, a Marantz 1060 that was completely restored by somebody who apparently really knew what they were doing, which I got right here on BT, sounds better than every other single integrated or pair of separates that I have tried in this system over the last six or seven years, some costing much greater than 10x more.

Believe me, I'm always trying to unseat it. Next up will be a 300b SET integrated. Sometimes you get lucky, and a single piece of gear just works perfectly with your speakers, room, and other electronics.

Did I mention I got the 1060 on Bartertown here (within the OP's budget)? That is reason enough to join AK as a member to get the ability to purchase some amazing gear, for great prices, often not available anyplace else.

If the amp has pre out try connecting different power amps, I think you'll be surprised lol. Especially if your lucky enough to get one of these rare beauties.

 

[Hifiler]

If the amp has pre out try connecting different power amps, I think you'll be surprised lol. Especially if your lucky enough to get one of these rare beauties.

I have indeed tried a couple power amps off the 1060's pre-outs, but so far have always gone back to the 1060 straight up. But I would love to try that Belles, it is a beauty!

 

[JoeESP9]

One of the major reasons I've stayed with separates is flexibility. How else would I be able to use a hybrid preamp driving a SS electronic crossover and DSP to a pair of tube amplifiers driving the mains with bridged SS amps driving dual subs? I also have a separate SS tuner.

 

[savatage1973]

will I ever listen to music again without obsessing over the quality of the sound? My answer, as I smiled, was probably not.

Yes, yes you will--when you realize that you are listening to the gear or for the quality of the gear, rather than the music itself. At a certain point you will find that "absolute resolution" reveals too much--great recordings are great, but most music recordings have "flaws" or "shortcomings" that will become distracting to say the least.

So I'm probably going to tinker with trying to enhance my listening experience seemingly forever.

Yes, this is probably true--been "tinkering" for decades. Just remember it's not all about the gear--play with speaker positioning and room treatments with what you have--you might be surprised with what you already have.