pre/power or integrated?

[Miller-8]

Do you have a pre/power amp combo or an integrated?

[The Strat]

One of the things I don't understand is that manufacturers don't build multi-room functionality into their pre's. A couple do but the majority don't but the capacity to run more than one power of a pre would be very useful and save having to think about complex multi-room installations.

[dudywoxer]

my pre will run 5? powers

[Miller-8]

What does "5?" mean?

[The Strat]

5 independently? - different source component in different room? - separately controllable volume in each room?

[dudywoxer]

5? as in why 5, 4 or 6 for bi/tri ampingm 2 for monoblocks, 4 for bi amp monoblock why 5

[cjr]

Always believed that below £2000 rrp that Intgerateds offer more than Pre-powers (IMHO) once you get above that you get some inetresting pre-powers that rival or beat same cost Integrateds.

[icehockeyboy]

cjr wrote:

Always believed that below £2000 rrp that Intgerateds offer more than Pre-powers (IMHO) once you get above that you get some inetresting pre-powers that rival or beat same cost Integrateds.

FWIW, i had an MF A3.2 integrated, then moved onto the pre/power version, dont really think it was any better...............especially asthey costtwice the price of the integrated.

[myrman]

Its pre/power every time for me but that's not to say its for everyone. Whilst spending what seems like forever putting together an AV system that plays 'hifi' I tried a lot of power amps and it really is amazing the differences you experience.
It was only a matter of time before my Hifi system took the same route. I can't imagine ever going back to an integrated now.
I love my preamp and if I ever want to upgrade I can just change the power amp without changing the control or functionality of the system.

[boseman]

In a former life, I had first the Musical Fidelity a5 intergrated and then the a5 pre + pwr combo.

Whilst that A5 intergrated was good, the pre + pwr combo was in another class in terms of soundtage and separation of instruments and vocals.

I now run a pair of monoblocks, so you can guess which camp I'm in, in the voting options above.

[godlau]

shd add one more category - integrated+power....

[The Strat]

godlau wrote:

shd add one more category - integrated+power....

Godlau - pleased with the Supernait?

Strat

[Steveh]

pre + 2 monoblock power amps (one per speaker) - even better IMHO.

[Davewhityetagain]

I like intergrateds with pre out Arcam and Exposure do nice ones

One of my set ups is 3010s with added power amp very nice

Heard a coupe of Arcam systems like that too plenty of power for most speakers

[Samantha]

I had a Linn Intek Integrated.

Changed to Naim 102 / 180 Pre/Power combo

Now using Unison Research S8 Integrated.

Each time it has been a sizable upgrade. I judge on the music produced not number of boxes. ;)

[Gnostic]

Always owned integrated. Less boxes and shorter signal paths at the back of my mind. I now doubt that makes much difference. Never tried the pre/power route.

I think if I had a large listening room and some low sensitivity speakers it's a route I would investigate. Better grip etc..

I've never been happier with the sound since I've taken to sitting close to to the speakers, even with my hot little 20w amp powering hundred quid speakers.


For some reason this system sounds way better than my last system which cost over two and a half grand (an enormous amount for me to spend !)

[johnnyesox]

Pre-power for me.Always had intergrated...till I got a good deal on an Cyrus aCA7.7[ex dem]/Power8,doubt very much I could get one box to sound as good for the money I paid [£700],even adding another power8,will not be that expensive or take up much space in my tiny 5x4 cottage living room.