HiFi AMPLIFIER CHOICES Integrated vs Pre Power? DONT CHOOSE WRONG

In this video I am just kicking off 2025 with a brief discussion about a topic I think all audiophiles think about and ponder to themselves - should they buy an integrated amplifier or a preamplifier with power amplifiers instead? I think audiophiles will make this decision predominantly based for performance or sound quality reasons, but I have been thinking about because of functionality and how I now need dual balanced analogue inputs, not something every integrated amplifier offers.

Thanks to Vinni Rossi OCTAVE Chord Electronics Cambridge Audio and Audiolab for answering my questions in time for me to make the video. Thanks to Electrocompaniet for answering them in time for the website article to be published.

The speakers in the background are the Audio Solutions Figaro M2 in a custom finish chosen by moi

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#hifi #amplifier #audiophile
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:29 The problem
6:26 Solutions
9:39 Ask experts
14:36 Opinion
15:41 Final Thoughts
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The HiFi System seen in this video and used for the review

Speakers SVS Ultra Evolution Titan
Digital Eversolo A10 Pre DAC and streamer
Amplifier Esoteric S-03

Cartridge Sumiko Starling
Modwright PH9 XT Phono stage.

Power Cables Tellurium Q Silver, Silver Diamond
Tellurium Q Statement II Digital cables
Tellurium Q Statement II USB cable

HiFi Racks Podium Reference.

[PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks for watching the video, I am just getting warmed up for whats coming in 2025 but I do think this is an important topic area that is not spoken about very much and its on my agenda so look out for more related videos coming soon.

[carlitosgomez]

Ive gone the separates route after years of using integrated amps, ive always lusted for mono blocks, pre amp and separate DAC, streamer. Initially I couldn't justify the cost as going further up the chain always costs more money. When i finally had the means and the time to pick my pieces, I took my time a little patience researching for what i was looking for and waited for deals to come up for even better value, (lots of mark-up for dealers so i dont pay full retail if i can help it) eventually it all came together. I can testify that separates will always give more fidelity and power than any integrated system would offer. It just takes time and effort to see what's available within your budget, all manufacturers excel in different categories and mixing and matching from a plethora of companies will in most outcomes achieve a better result overall. I should also point out that you also have to have a little luck and patience in achieving this, as not all components have the right synergy, so you need to test and test to find the kind of music flavour that rocks your boat. in essence with separates, you have the ability to create the optimal sound system with the best parts one can afford without any compromises and have the ability to swap anything out at any point when the need or time arises.

[mr.wibble]

This video literally talked to my situation exactly. All good and agreed in theory - now to showcase specific examples! Can't wait!

[wineattorneys]

Spot on video. I've been contemplating this very issue and currently am leaning toward going the traditional separates route. I don't believe you mention another advantage that separates have: you can upgrade just what you want to upgrade. In my case, it allows me to upgrade the DAC without messing about with the preamplifier for example.

[jos]

Happy to see you back again! Have a successful en healthy new year! And thanks 🙏 for this one as the first one!

[Hush]

I've always been interested to see reviewers compare separate systems (separate dac, preamp, and power) and integrated systems when the respective systems are price matched. I wanna see if separates make a compelling value proposition compared to integrated systems!

[jos]

Great lecture too! 😊 But we must not forget the space we have, the waf-factor and what we already have and don’t want to miss.

[jasongould]

An incredibly interesting debate, to kick 2025 off with, I look forward to further instalments!
Great job, as ever ✌️

[mbilden]

Good video as usual. I am really enjoying the pleasant and articulate opinions of the commenters. I learn a lot by reading the opinions and experiences of others in this hobby. Thanks for starting an interesting discussion in the community.

[chrisharris]

I think if you are buying high end you really can't go wrong with either option, but I like the idea of having a really good power amp or monos and then being able to switch out pre-amps to change up the sound depending on what you are listening to and what type of listening you want to do

[JD-mmub]

I went from a Hegel H390 integrated to a PS Audio BHK Signature preamp and a pair of BHK300 mono blocks. While the H390 is no slouch, I found the BHK separates had more punch and sounded really good. I did a bit of tube rolling and life Is good.

[deanfisher]

After decades of separates, I listened to 5 high end integrated amps and determined that I would purchase and lose thousands in cabling. It has been a great experience. If one is the audiophile ADD type then go separates. It allows them to feed the need for constant change. I got off the Merry go-around 😊. Well thought out presentation….thanks

[gsherlock]

Happy New Year, good to see you back.

[Chanobi]

Nice to hear you mention Vinnie Rossi! The Brama preamp is high on my want list. I hope a review is in the works! 🤞

[Cesare-rjwk]

I like the pleasure of all experiences, I prefer the simplicity of integrated

[jos]

Totally agree about phone stage and DAC inside! You could also take a look at the integrated Gato 150AE, or separates from that company.

[harrydavidson]

Good to see you back and thank you for sharing your thoughts. In terms of pre amps, long ago I upgraded from a Naim Nac 102 to a Nac 52. The difference was startling, so yes pre amps make a difference imo, though the power supply probably helped there to. Currently I don't require any analogue inputs as I only use digital sources. Thus I choose an Adiolab M Dac+ via xlr to an Audiolab 8300xp, as I couldn't afford the mono blocks. For me it's a better sound than an integrated alternative. Personally I'd always opt for pre/power as the separation of components has benefits.

[eagleroth]

I have the Diablo 333 and couldn't be happier. A nice step up from the already superb Diablo 300. This is my way of minimizing sound quality compromises while keeping the amount of gear to a reasonable level. In my set up XLR 1 is for my EAR 324 phono stage and XLR 2 is hooked up to my Studer B67 Reel 2 Reel. I am sure you'd be perfectly happy with the 333 taking into account your review.

[reybalderas]

Excellent topic! I was told that streaming components compromise sound quality and can lose bits if they are used as a preamp for volume control. Therefore, purchased a quality preamp.

[ioannisthpapanagiotou]

Two years ago i bought an intergrated amp
It has in the rare panel a main in rca input which separetes the power-part from the pre-part
I connect their my old Symphonic line rg3 mk3 preamp and i heard a different much much much better amp!!!
Happy new year
Thank you