Integrated Vs Pre Power Amplifiers
I love separates. In fact I went to the extreme and have a preamp and two monoblock power amps. Crazy right? Well, maybe, but it all depends on what you’re wanting to achieve. An integrated amplifier is what most people are going to choose because they start at a very affordable price of under $1,000. Now, if your budget is a little higher, say $3,500 or so, then you get to separate pre power territory from a great brand like Rotel and if you step up to $5K plus you step into the world of Audiolab and Quad. A very nice place to be. But maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.
What Is An Integrated Amplifier & What Is A Separate Pre-Power Amp?
An integrated amplifier, as you would imagine, combines the preamplifier (which manages the volume and inputs) with the power amplifier (which drives your speakers) into one streamlined unit. For most people, this is the most practical and best-value option. Modern integrated amplifiers have come a long way and you’ll find models that sound exceptional and include high-quality DACs, phono stages, and even streaming built in. Brands like Rotel, Yamaha, Audiolab, Arcam and of course Accuphase make integrateds that will sit quite happily in moderate to ultra-high-end systems. They’re a great way to achieve a no fuss system when you just want to connect your sources and enjoy music without overcomplicating things.
The very popular Marantz PM6007 shown with the Marantz CD Player
Why Go Separate? Because Great Sound Deserves It's Own Space!
But some of us are just dying for a bit of complication in our lives and that is where separates come in. The potential for performance gains or to stuff it up entirely are both there. Personally, I think the preamp is where it’s at. They normally draw the short straw in an integrated amp and receive minimal design attention, but when they’re designed as their own entity, they can be the star they were meant to be. I remember talking to Phil Freeman the GM of Rega years ago and commenting on how much better their pre power combos sounded than their integrateds and he said yes, it was all down to the vastly improved quality of the preamp. I took a Cursa preamp apart at the time and saw a circuit board crammed with components that was as big as the whole chassis and yet inside an integrated you struggled to see where the preamp section actually was. A separate preamp and power amp definitely opens the door to higher performance in every area. Each component is designed to do its specific job as well as possible, and that translates into better dynamics, lower noise, and a more expansive soundstage. Power amps can really flex their muscles here, with bigger transformers and a more dynamic output that help hard to drive speakers come alive. Plus, the flexibility is a real draw - you can upgrade one piece at a time or even add extra power amps if you want to bi-amp or monoblock later on.
What To Consider Before Investing In Separate Amps?
While the performance gains are real, separates do come with a few trade-offs. You’ll need more space on your rack, more interconnects, and usually a bigger budget. Matching pre and power amps properly is also important. Usually choosing a pre and power amp from the same brand is a good step in the right direction. The Audiolab 9000Q/P pairing is a prime example of a match made in heaven as is the Quad 33/303 combo (preferably with two monoed 303’s) which also throws in a wonderful retro look for those who remember the 60’s. Of course, if you want to go totally crazy you can go for the top monblock pre power combo from Hegel which will set you back in the region of $70K before you have even start thinking about cables, speakers and sources. Hard on your wallet admittedly but we’re pretty sure you’ll love the sound.
At the end of the day, both integrateds and pre-power setups have their considerable charms. If you’re after a clean, fuss-free system that still delivers the magic of good hi-fi, a solid integrated amplifier will serve you beautifully. But if you’ve been in the hobby for a while, have the space, and want to build something truly tailored to your taste, separates offer endless room to grow. Either way, it’s all about what makes you want to sit down, hit play, and just listen to music, that’s the real goal of any good sound system.
For more information please contact us. We are happy to help over the phone, email or better yet, head to our showroom in Ringwood. - Written by Wes Bell