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Pre-Amp and Amp or Just Integrated?

post #1 of 14
5/11/05 at 12:28am
Thread Starter 
So out of complete curiosity, if one has to chose between a pre-amp and amplifier combo or just an integrated amplifier, spending the same price on either one - which should the person choose?

Is there a budget limit where it would be better for an integrated amp instead of a combo?

Okay, so it's not just out of curiosity I will be purchasing new speakers and amp soon, and need to know which would do a better job. I'm thinking between 500-700 dollars for the new amp, and was thinking of purchasing a Jolida integrated amp, but then saw the rest of the competition and choices out there.

By the way, it needs to be at least 20 watts to power my new speaker consideration (The Ohm MicroWalsh talls).

Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 14
5/11/05 at 6:34am
It's hard to generalise, really.
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post #3 of 14
5/11/05 at 8:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1UP
It's hard to generalise, really.
Well is there a pre and amp combo you´d recommend over the Jolida integrated?
Thanks!
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post #4 of 14
5/11/05 at 9:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aman
Well is there a pre and amp combo you´d recommend over the Jolida integrated?
Thanks!
I've heard great things about the jolida's and am comtemplating getting one or an integrated amp. If anything integrated amplifiers are more convienent.
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post #5 of 14
5/11/05 at 9:12am
I have the Jolida 102B, amazing little amp. Has four inputs, 20W a channel and it powers my speakers just fine which are 50W/75W max. Sounds amazing with nice tight bass and awesome midrange.
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post #6 of 14
5/11/05 at 10:26am
In that price range, you're probably much better off getting a good integrated. Even in higher price ranges, there are some real good integrateds out there.
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post #7 of 14
5/11/05 at 12:35pm
if your going to look at intergated, as in tubes please check out the modded out cayin ta-30. paul at bizzybee audio has something new coming out soon to.

they slam the jolida crap easily. I Talked to alot of jolida dealers and they all seem to say that those amps are a if'y thing. they were the first good amp for the cost, but that was back years ago.
now we have bizzybee,primaluna and others selling a amazing amp that actually will last.

I actually like the jolida's sound but seeing 10 of them on a shop floor in for repair and even what the dealers have said its just not worth the risk to me.
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post #8 of 14
5/11/05 at 1:01pm
Seeing how you probably already have a headphone amp with a preamp function, buying an integrated amp (which costs more than a power amp) is imho a waste of money.
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post #9 of 14
5/11/05 at 1:49pm
my take on this is to always go for separates all else being equal or even if the price increase is something i can live with (having two seaprate units costs more).
The reason is mainly for future upgrades but also because anything if specialized and built for a singular purpose will normally be better suited to that purpose and have less comprinises built in from the start.

The upgrade path reason is also reasonable if you say like your preamp section,are totally happy with it,but upon making a speaker uograde realise the amp section is not suited to drive the new speakers.
Instead of selling the power amp and buying a new one you are now where you must buy the whole shooting match all over again and maybe the amp power you need comes with a preamp section of lesser quality than you presently have.

Or maybe it is the preamp section that is the weak link and instead of changing everything you can just upgrade here if it is a separate unit.

Integrated-easy to plug and play,less cable connections,less shelf space,usually lower in cost,most often a comprimise somewhere to fit everything into the once chassis.

Separates-harder to hook up and require more interconnect cables and that addee cost.take up more space BUT you can put the controls section in an easy to use location and the amp section where it will receive the most cooling space,easy upgrade path,usually higher cost for similiar specs/power,infinately upgradeable section at a time as the need arises.
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post #10 of 14
5/11/05 at 2:08pm
I would vote for an integrated also. If it has pre-outs and main-ins then you can always use a separate amp or pre-amp later.
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post #11 of 14
5/11/05 at 2:26pm
Yeah, it is really a cost factor. Separates will almost always be able to perform better due to separate power supplies, isolated chassis and overall lower amount of "compromise" required in the design.

But this adds cost. At a modest cost the savings involved with the basic integrated design can be poured back into making a better integrated product, when created by a quality manufacturer that cares.

If you can afford it, separates. If not, don't be afraid to go with a well made integrated - many good designs sound very good.
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post #12 of 14
5/11/05 at 7:39pm
I don't think there are a lot of seperates that could beat the Simaudio i-5 or YBA integrateds at the same prices.

In your price range, NAD and Rotel make some great products, and leave you cash to spare.
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post #13 of 14
5/11/05 at 8:30pm
I am kinda liking everything about this integrated though no actual time in the cockpit (listening)

http://www.soundscapehifi.com/leben-integrated.htm
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post #14 of 14
5/12/05 at 12:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by morphie
Seeing how you probably already have a headphone amp with a preamp function, buying an integrated amp (which costs more than a power amp) is imho a waste of money.
Only have a tape-out

Billy: THANKS SO MUCH for that amp recommendation!

Thanks to all!
-Andrew
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