Integrated vs. separates

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dougmuir

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Integrated vs. separates
« on: 7 Jun 2006, 09:46 pm »
My 30 year old Phase Linear 400 has bitten the dust and must be replaced.  I have narrowed down my choices to, so far, either the Krell 400xi integrated amp or the Anthem Statement A2 power amp (with a new preamp as well on the Anthem).  Each configuration delivers about 200Wpc and can be purchased for between $2000 and $2500.   This
is an 2 channel audio-only application.

The amp must drive a pair of Polk LS90s, 2 pairs of Bose 251s and a pair of Polk Aw-M3s (outdoor) and 2 pairs of indoor ceiling mounted speakers.  All speakers run though a switch box and each pair has its own volume control.

Does anyone have a recommendation on the integrated amp vs. separates or on either the Krell or the Anthem?

G Georgopoulos

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Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #1 on: 7 Jun 2006, 09:58 pm »
I recommend you only buy what you can afford, separates are more
expensive and probably better but there are good integrated as well
out there it all comes down to what you can effort whats better no longer
applies to something you cant afford

cheers
ps:general comment

Kevin Haskins

Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #2 on: 7 Jun 2006, 10:00 pm »
Buy separates.... that way I can sell you some interconnects.   :)

marvda1

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Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #3 on: 7 Jun 2006, 10:36 pm »
if both options are the same price go with the option that sounds best. but once you are into seperates you have a lot more options when you do want to upgrade again. if the 400xi is like the 300il the krell runs HOT!

JLM

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Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #4 on: 8 Jun 2006, 12:44 pm »
Integrateds should be cheaper (one chassis, one power cord, save on a pair of interconnects) and in a good design the pre/power sections will be optimized to work well with each other.

But 200 wpc integrateds are much more rare than 200 watt amps.  Do you really need 200 watts?  Is your room(s) very large?  Are your speaker very inefficient?  Do you listen very loud?  The Phase Linear came from a bigger is better age.  Remember that according to those nasty laws of physics you must double the power to gain only 3 dB of sound pressure levels.  OTOH lots of clean power is better than less distorted power from overloaded amps.

Separates do give more options and flexibility, but its then up to you to find pre and power amps that synergize with each other.  Staying with the same manufacturer (or maybe the same retailer) for both should take care of that.


If you really do need that kind of power around that budget, look into these high quality/high value brands (all here at Audio Circle):

Audio by Van Alstine (Frank is the grumpy old guy with tons of experience, feels free to use both tubes and solid state, and offers upgrade paths)

Channel Island Audio (Dusty doesn't brag enough on himself but has well built, practical, high performance, cutting edge stuff)

Odyssey Audio (Klaus is hard working, a value leader, and offers 20 year warrantys)

Bob Reynolds

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Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #5 on: 8 Jun 2006, 11:35 pm »
I agree with JLM that an issue with separates that gets way too little attention is the synergy factor between preamp and amp.

I owned the Krell KAV-300i and on paper it specs very well, but I found the sound to be quite clinical. Not harsh per say, but uninvolving. After upgrading to Bryston monoblocks, the music returned.

Anthem has a good reputation for being musical, so if these are your only options it may be a better choice.

You can find Wes Phillips' review of the Krell KAV-400xi online at Sterephile's web site.
http://stereophile.com/integratedamps/205krell/

-- Bob

Soundbitten

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Integrated vs. separates
« Reply #6 on: 9 Jun 2006, 12:07 am »
The Jeff Rowland Concerto ... if you can find one on the used market for a decent price .