Are Integrated Amps making a comeback?

**John72953** · 10-10-2011, 06:12 AM

It doesn't matter what shop I go into, I seem to be bumping into IA's at every turn. I don't think I can recall a time when they were more prevelant.

**Orb** · 10-10-2011, 07:36 AM

Would make sense as consumers look to downsizing the space taken by audio/video equipment, there would be a large market for such when considering modern houses and room space (especially here in Europe), or the general modern views on home design and what fits in with modern decor.
Cheers
Orb

**vinylphilemag** · 10-10-2011, 07:42 AM

It might be psychological, in the same sense that if you're interested in buying a new car, you start seeing examples of your favourite model everywhere. They're not new, but you're now subconcioulsy more aware of them. I think!

**John72953** · 10-10-2011, 07:47 AM

So very true Rich!

**Bruce B** · 10-10-2011, 12:30 PM

I also think that its only been in the past 10 years that integrateds have been able to keep up with separates and not be embarrassed by them.

Levinson.. DarTZeel... YBA....

**John72953** · 10-10-2011, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce B

I also think that its only been in the past 10 years that integrateds have been able to keep up with separates and not be embarrassed by them.

Levinson.. DarTZeel... YBA....

ARC...Simaudio, and no doubt many others. It's an affordable way to get into the higher end and I think that's a huge appeal for many consumers.

**fas42** · 10-10-2011, 03:10 PM

If proper engineering is applied to them then it would be easy to make integrateds that were quite superior to separates, for the simple reason that the designer has proper control over all the elements in the amplification area of the chain. As soon as you add a weakness to the whole, by requiring an external, detachable cable to connect elements then you open Pandora's box, all very well if you enjoy constant fiddling and extra expense, but not the smart way to get good sound.

Why integrateds typically are poorer is that manufacturers are not dumb: they make more money by selling multiple units, so the last thing they will do is engineer a "downmarket" integrated to be better than their more expensive separates. The other problem is that using conventional techniques of decent sized power supplies means that the integrated unit will become pretty heavy, not a good selling point for a lot of people ...

Frank

**caesar** · 10-10-2011, 10:10 PM

I have never seen an integrated with "respectable" power ratings. But I have always liked A LOT of power to control the speaker during dynamic swings in the music.

**Bruce B** · 10-10-2011, 10:14 PM

I think anything >100 w/p/c is respectable.

**MylesBAstor** · 10-11-2011, 03:28 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce B

I also think that its only been in the past 10 years that integrateds have been able to keep up with separates and not be embarrassed by them.

Levinson.. DarTZeel... YBA....

Hmmmmm.....I think those are more exceptions to the rule

And those units don't come cheap!

I'd add, don't expect an integrated amp to drive difficult loads.