... the features are what I think about most. For some people ‘less is more’, but I’m no longer one of them. I recently changed the pre-amp in my main system from the Bryston BHA-1 to the SP1.7 just because I wanted the remote capability, no other reason. Sound wise, there was no noticeable difference to me, but the remote capabilities sure are a welcomed convenience, and the 12v trigger firing up the 3B amp is an added bonus! Unfortunately, the new combo does not provide headphone output or the balanced inputs, so lots of compromise.
I think about the compromises in features that I have to live with from time to time, and I do get tempted to move to a more feature rich integrated solution. I recently compared a list of features that matter to me from various integrated amps that sparked my interest. Please note that these are the features that matter to me. For example, I prefer not to have an integrated DAC in the pre-amp section. Your milage will vary. It’s interesting that if I put remote capability aside, my Marantz 2230 receiver from 1972 ties for top spot!
I guess I’m old school, but I think it’s very sad what some manufactures are doing with the monitor loop and main-in/pre-out features. The monitor feature is gone from all but two of the current model integrated amps I looked at, and Marantz and Yamaha have also bastardized the main-in/pre-out to the point that they are useless, at least for me. You can use their pre and power amp sections individually, but not individually at the same time. Wow! Can you imagine dropping this much cash on an integrated amp that will not let you attach an EQ or room correction tool to it? You may not want to do dsp room correction now, but don’t you at least want the option?
@ James, maybe with the B60 gone from your line-up, you have room for another, possibly feature rich, integrated amp?
