Integrated Amp Vs Preamp + Power Amp | What does it give you?
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
- Hi Everyone!
Today we're talking about how integrated amplifiers compare to pre-amp/power amp combos. Is it an upgrade? Why would you do it?
Here's what we found when we compared the Accuphase E-800 integrated with the Accuphase C-2300 and A-48.
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One advantage of having separate pre and power amps is that it provides more flexibility for upgrading. I am fortunate enough to own the C2150 and A48 and I am extremely happy with them.
You could spend all of your life chasing sonic perfection. Why not just kick back and enjoy the music?
People liked to be scammed?
The uninformed have no idea what they are missing
People enjoy the chase.
We do. We do.
I was testing a lot of audio gear before. But as I fixed myself on my actual set, I calmed down and the quality of music and room preparation shifted at the center of my preocupations.
I believe "gearchase" is a phase in an audiphile's journey.
AGREE 200%. I’m not into integrated amps but understand they’ve gotten better through the years. Do it right and purchase separate components. You will be rewarded if you get the synergy correct. That is, if your room (most importantly) and budget can swing it. It’s kind of like a “relationship” - a series of give and take. Always enjoy your vids- you’ve made huge improvements from when I first started watching the channel. Cheers from Cayman
People who sing the praises of separates-- own separates. Bragging rights. But, those who have extensive 'no holds barred' ownership of any combination they care to own have much less to defend. I own 3 high end separate systems and one integrated-- Accuphase. There is NO audible difference in sonic quality. There is a difference in the combination of sonic coloration... not a bad thing.
@@keithmoriyama5421 sonic coloration? What do you mean?
I started separating preamp and amp in the early 80’s then to mono amps in early 2000. Will never go back to an integrated amp and stereo amps. But that’s me, it doesn’t mean it has to be the same for everybody.
Thankyou for being an understanding audiophile. There aren’t enough of you on the internet. 😌
If you actually own a $5,000-10,000 integrated, I seriously question the efficacy of spending many times more for separates. Diminishing returns invariably set in.
Great review, James, thanks a lot. I loved the rocky piece you very briefly played at 6:48. What was that?
I think your analogy varies depending on the brand. I heard this Accuphase integrated amp and it was beautiful. But then I compared it with the McIntosh MA12000 integrated amp and let's just say that the McIntosh sounded not just better but incredibly better. So then I compared the McIntosh MA12000 integrated amp with the Accuphase pre and amp components you feature here, and again to me the McIntosh sounded just as good as the separates but price was ultimately a determining factor. But I think what really did it for me was when I heard the McIntosh integrated with McIntosh MEN220 room correction and wow, holy sh_t I was floored by the sound! So I decided to get the McIntosh MA12000 integrated first and then the McIntosh room correction later in the year. I'd be very happy with Accuphase but for me the McIntosh integrated with the additional room correction component was to die for.
Thanks James for your comparison. I have always been using pre and power amp combos, and have gone through generations of Mark Levinson and currently Pass Labs (XP20 + X150.8) gears.
I have started taking notice of Accuphase gears lately and like their gorgeous look. I am seriously considering giving Accuphase a try firstly with their preamp and then power amp. I noticed you mentioned that the new C2300 is better than the outgoing C2450 which makes sense. I am keen to know how you compare C2300 with the C2850. If C2300 is close to or better than C2850 then I think it is a killer. Thanks in advance for your comment. Cheers from Robert.
Separated preamp and power amp cost more because is better, PERIOD. It is more flexible when you want to upgrade and in case of damage you can replace it. Another point is that you can get the best from different brands including preamps that are streamers with lots of other inputs as well. Thanks.
Yup pre-power definitely is better. No one is arguing that.
This video was intended to help educate people who might be in the high end integrated range what a pre-power combo might give them.
Yes you can mix and match but I prefer to stick to one brand if possible as it is likely to have better synergy and you know the gear has all been voiced to match one another and ‘shoot for the same goal post’.
Find a good brand with a sonic signature you like and commit to that brand to build your system around.
Thanks
James, what brand is the wooden audio rack on the left? I love the clean look, matches so well with Accuphase.
Nice video, thanks. What I would wish as next one is a comparison between Class A and Class AB amps of the Accuphase line, in appr. same price range.
Good idea.
E-650 vs E-4000 and E-800 vs E-5000?
@@SoundlineAudioNewZealand I'm actually more interested in power amps, so how about A-48 vs P-4600 ?
I wonder if you would do a comparison between the A-48 and the E-800 but using the same preamp for both thus bypassing the pre stage of the E-800?
Is this something you’d be able to do to you your public?
Thanks!
I’m guessing they could probably sound more alike than different. Could it be…?
that´s something I also whant to know!
I left naim 252 and 300dr for luxman 509z no regrets..
Buongiorno. L'integrato è in pura classe A mentre il Pre+Finale sono in classe AB: mi sembra un confronto poco sensato... Saluti dall'Italia.
I own an E800 and a C2450+A48 combo. For me, the E800 is much better and is my main system.
Indeed, we are currently considering which system to implement, so your comment is very interesting. Specifically, in what aspects do you feel that the E800 is better? Please, do tell.
@@cozy7850 I feel the preamp section on the E800 is very good, better than my C2450. I hear better control and detail.
Very interesting, I would have assumed the pre/power combo would sound better.
Have you tried moving your pre/power combo to the room where your E-800 lives? There might be something else about that system that explains why you prefer the sound of that one. Speakers, Room, cables etc.
@@SoundlineAudioNewZealand The C2450+A48 combo was my main system for almost a year, fed by my main components and driving very good speakers. Then, my dealer brought the E800 for a demo and used the same components and speakers in the same room. The result is I bought an E800 and moved the C2450+A48 to my secondary system.
There is no way E800 is better than separates I sold the E800 and bought a C3900 and a pair of A300 amps
Thanks James for another very good review. I want to go separates and class A. What do I need to know about the heating of the Class A amplifiers? Is it an issue in practical terms. Thanks
Acccuphases Class A amps are getting better and better at thermal management.
They get ‘warm’ to the touch, I wouldn’t say ‘hot’, definitely not a practical issue as long as the amp is in an open air situation I.e in a rack or on a shelf. Cupboards not recommended.
I have a Luxman 509X integrated amplifier with a EQ-500 phono stage. Would it be worthwhile in this case to upgrade to a seperate power and control amplifier?
I have got E5000 and DP570. And I would like to get a P7500 for bi amp in the near future. Will it sound better than pre/power comb.
Well an E5000 + P7500 combo will have more power and therefore probably more body and deep bass control than just a preamp with the P7500, but something like the C2300 preamp will have far better overall dynamics, clarity and a much lower noise floor so you’ll hear more detail.
It comes down to whether your speakers actually need 500watts to sound their best or if 250 is good enough. Bear in mind Accuphase are conservative with their output power ratings.
@@SoundlineAudioNewZealand thanks a lot for your reply. My speaker is 804 D4. My current plan is get P7500 in first and trade in my E5000 for a C2900 as my ultimate goal.
How is the rack on the left side with the integrated called?
The laws of electronics haven't changed sufficiently, and it's higher stakes at this price level.
Great that you took the trouble to do this comparison.
It's a shame we had to get that opinion by proxy through you doing the listening and giving us your opinion.
Would have been so much more meaningful if you had put the CDs through both system and actually let us listened along with you so we could come to our own conclusions as well.
I’m glad you liked the video, but from your comment I feel I must advise you, PLEASE don’t use RUclips as a test for sound quality or for listening to footage of other equipment.
That’s like watching footage of an OLED tv on an old crt tv to see if the OLED has good picture quality. It’s not anywhere close to the real thing.
Hi. What turntables are shown?
Well Tempered Verselex and Well Tempered Amadeus 254.
Everyone into separates are into music. What if I'm 90% watching movies & 10% music. Am I wasting my $$ on separates? Thanks.
If you are 90% movies 10% music, you should probably have a home theatre receiver with surround sound. And in that category, separates are only really necessary if you need a lot of power. I.e >200 watts per channel.
@@SoundlineAudioNewZealand Thanks!!
Is the difference equally clear c2300 & P4600 vs. E5000?
If you have the money and space always go for the separates. I'm trying to plan this exact combo : c2300 and p4600.
The receivers have bn qround since the late 60s.. look up the power wars of the 70's where some of those flagships would crap all over the gutless recievers these days...
Im a muso, several bands abd albums over the decades, this 'auqdiofile' bs is just gonna sound the same," silibance on each element",? Wow. Chur, cuzz... do you drive a maserati or green cirolla er, i mean a lanbirGREENI??!!
😅