Your biggest challenge is that getting an integrated amplifier is the equivalent to getting a preamplifier and an amplifier. And you’re going to lose transparency with each compared to TT2 direct to speakers. So my suggestion is to stick with what you have. I used to have Sanders preamplifier and amplifier which are quite expensive. And I first got rid of the preamp and directly hooked the Dave to the amp and got a significant jump in transparency. Then I replaced the Sanders amp with Chord Etude and got another jump in transparency. But if I were to listen to headphones, I still notice a difference between the Etude and straight out of Dave.
That’s why if I were you, I would save my money and not buy anything new. Your current setup is optimal for TT2 and Qutest. I think even if you’re spending 5 figures on a top of the line integrated amplifier, you’re still going to notice the loss of transparency. That said if you want to upgrade the amp for the Qutest, buy what you like.
Sometimes we hear of folk that leave their TT2 on all the time. That's not what I like to do, although it may not be detrimental to the TT2.
If I am using the TT2 driving speakers, my day might go like this. ….. E.g. sometimes I might want the TT2 on at the start of the day. Then a few hours later I want the TT2 on again for watching a video, or some Youtube maybe auditioning an album. Then I might not use the TT2 again that day. However I might wake up next day with TT2 still on. It may have been on for over 24-hours, for maybe two hours use.
I really don't now what's best. Sometimes they say electronics live longer if left on. The warming- cooling-cycle is less when the unit is left on.
That heating and cooling causes expansion and contraction in chips. Some that is not good. However the power supplies I don't think should be plugged in all the time. I think they for sure have shorter lifespans, leaving them plugged in. Generally it's possible that all the other resistors and components, etc, would live shorter lifetimes if left running. I really don't know. Components will have a life expectancy and tolerances etc.
One thing that concerns me about the TT2 and leaving it on, is heat on the supercaps. If they are liquid supercaps, they will have a shorter life, if left warmer. I know Rob said that the supercaps should last 22 years left on all the time. However all is not equal, and what can go wrong will go wrong. Therefore I give them the best chance possible, by letting them cool.
You're totally right that TT2 direct is the best way. I am also sure that if I use the balanced outputs, I would have enough volume for my needs. SE seems to be enough right now.
I am probably worrying about nothing, about leaving my TT2 powered-up by accident. However I would prefer to accidentally leave my Qutest on after menial tasks. You do raise the right question though, which is do I need any more. I think what I would like is a better amplifier because, I am OK using an amplifier. Both for music with TT2 and Qutest for all other. Then switching to TT2 direct sometimes, by moving speaker cables.
I don't know. Maybe I would be better ff right now, getting one metre of e.g. Atlas Mavros. Make some quality TT2-to-speaker adapters. Then listen again to my TT2 directly driving speakers. At the moment I have a bit of old single core for each side. In other words do something else to take my mind off the need for am amplifier. Make an improvement somewhere else.
