Integrated vs pre-power

Hi techies,

What are the adv/dis of a pre-power combination over integrated amp? If one is a serious music buf, what he should consider? Also does it have any thing to do with the style of music you hear, like jazz, pop, etc?

Having heard many integrated and pre/power combos, I have concluded, and it is only my opinion, that integrated amplifiers at x price can be most of the times better than a pre/power combo selling for same price.

On rare occasions, integrated amplifiers can even embarrass a pre/power combo costing twice as much. The key lies in the design and execution of the amplifier in question. There are some classics out there with this kind of trait; one that immediately comes to mind is the legendary NAD 3020. This amplifier, most audio enthusiast agree, was almost a perfect budget integrated amplifier ever produced. It still amazes many who would not like to part with it. It had the magic which was unmatched by any at the price point. It also put to shame some of the expensive pre/power combos in terms of it capability for faithful reproduction of the musical content.

1. Pre and power amps reputedly provide the cleanest signals for music.

2. Integrated Amps generally now are excellent at providing the best value for money for music.

3. Receivers A/V are generally a poor compromise for music listeners, they are getting better but unless you need A/V NOW get an integrated amp for music - which wil provide excellent stereo for DVD's with a modest DVD player connected to aux in. A/V receivers are developing so fast that todays 'hot' pick is tomorrows 'old hat'. Maybe in 2-3 years A/V medium priced receivers will provide as good musicality as a separate integrated amp - but we are not there yet by any means.

Main thing in buying anything is to go to a decent dedicated hi-fi specialist and audition a nunber of different set ups in a room setting - not in the middle of a large appliance showroom! You might pay a bit more but you will like what you get and have received decent advice on set up etc. Unless you compare by listening you will never know how good a reasonable priced system can be.

Aim to spend roughly 1/3 on the CD player, 1/3 on the Amp and 1/3 on the speakers - and allow at least 10% for interconnects and speaker wires.

Cirus, I read the exact text on net posted by someone

Would like to know your own experiences...

Over the last 20 or so years I have owned and used many pre-power amp combos in the $1500.00 - 2000.00 range including makes such as Carver, ADCOM and NAD and I never had any complaints with any of them. I generally tend to BUY the best I can afford and hold on to them for as long as I can.

However in 2001 I happened to hear the Plinius 8150 integrated at a friends place and I was bowled over. I have to admit that I am not one to be easily convinced so I managed to borrow the Plinius from my friend (who was indeed very reluctant to let go of it) and heard it at my residence over the weekend.

The Plinius had in floored in every sense. This amp cost almost as much as my year old pre-power combo and it delivered sound that had me totally involved. Mind you until that time I had never hear of a Plinius. So I finally got rid of my old combo and purchased a Plinius 8150 for $1899.00

I think integrated amps are great value for small rooms. I normally listen to music at normal listening levels and my music taste ranges from classical to jazz to rock ballads.

I would suggest you to listen to integrated from Bryston, Ayre, Plinius and SUGDEN (Class A amp).

Interesting thread. In fact I am considering replacing my ol' NAD 370 with a new integrated! Would welcome suggestions for a 100K budget!

Before you BUY any integrated amp I would recommend you listen to the Naim Nait 5i - this is the next item in my shopping list. Retails for around €1000.00

Check out the Plinius 9100 Integrated amp...hear it once and you will be floored....they are just amazing...you will feel like heaven. But its priced at around 120k (after discount).

Hi Cyrus,
I can exactly relate to your feeling....having heard and owned the Plinius 8100 myself...I was totally bowled the moment I heard them...they are just magic....I am yet to hear a more involving amp till date.

Wait till you hear the combo of the plinius cd-101, m8 & sa-201 or their reference sa-ref amps in bridged mode. Totally awesome.