Main reason for separates (to me) is to upgrade and build a better system over time and generally a separate component is designed for that one thing to do one thing really well. For me crosstalk isn’t really a consideration.
Totally agree. If crosstalk was such a big deal more Speaker manufacturers would have gone the Polk SDA route. It just isn’t worth it IMO. The upgrade or changing of components to taste allows for more fun with our audio, which for some is their favourite.
I also agree. The advantage of separates is being able to easily swap out an individual component in the signal chain or having multiple systems (for example: having 40W Amp A power Speakers A and 200W Amp B power Speakers B while keeping a common source component or signal switching). The main practical advantage of an integrated system is they take up less space.
Having separates allows me to run a tube preamp and solid state power amp. My own system is tri-amped on both sides, so I'm running many amp channels, not to mention the active crossover. Can't do that with a receiver or integrated amp.
As an “old schooler” I have come full circle and back to what is now considered, “Vintage Audio” equipment and performance. I currently have a Definitive Technology AVSoundbar system and a audio-technica AT-LP 120 which actually sounds really good. That said, I miss the look of a Marantz/Pioneer receiver ( the lights are hypnotic) and the depth of sound is addictive. Thank you for helping me to sort out the differences of components in terms of performance, price and applications. Your channel is a wealth of information to reenter this era of sound and experience. 0:12
Theres nothing better than the looks of a vintage receiver. Its mesmerizing looking at one when a killer song is playing. Also make sure a receiver has pre out main in. That way a receiver can be turned into separates.
Nice to hear emphasis on the ROOM! Brain - Ears - Room - Speakers - Amp(s) - Phono Placement - Vinyl - Mastering - Artist The chain is long, it is easy to concentrate on the easy parts,... For me it is Glass Separates. ( I am my own technician,... )
I can happily live with a 'receiver'. I still love my Braun Regie 510 bought when I was a student in 1973.. Right now I use a tube Counterpoint SA1 preamp with my Sugden ss power amp and it's a great match, and in winter I was using Quad II tube amps as power amps (just too hot in summer!) And I just bought an Heath 1500A receiver that I restore.. hoping to buy another classic Sansui/Pioneer/Sony? Receiver before they disappear from the market for good. As a rule, I'd never any amp/receiver that contains a Dac.. I love trying, listening my own combinations of components. I love integrates too.. oh gee.. lol
My whole childhood my dad talked about Marantz sansui and so on... I thought I knew all and had some decent av receivers then one day I got my hands on a vintage McIntosh and I never looked back and so I lived happily ever after
THE MAIN THING here that needs to be said is that for decades, companies in their ads and literature say that moving up in price to their integrateds and seperates from their receivers is a move up in sound quality. More sophisticated design & circuitry, better layout, better parts, better specs, more power etc. So it's been taken for granted that if you want better performance than a company's receiver, you move up to an integrated or seperates. It's about the sound. The question isn't whether a receiver CAN sound as good as seperates; the real question is "What does the company give you in either case." If they save their top designers and circuit designs for their seperates, then that's the way to go if you can afford it and sound quality is your priority. Some people want a pretty light dial whether they listen to FM or not. It is aesthetics or nostalgia for some. But generally speaking, receivers do not have as good a specs or perform as well as seperates. They're just cheaper and prettier to look at. Great video. Very thought provoking.
The cool thing about separates is that you can isolate what piece is broken. If you have a phone, you have a test source that can feed the amplifier directly, or the preamp. If the amp is working, but the preamp introduces issues, you've isolated your problem. Easy peasy.
Over the many many years I've been into music I've tried ALL routes. Plus and minus points all along the way. Currently, I have separates for my stereo music in the bedroom. In my Lounge I have a monster Pioneer Integrated amp for my 11.1 surround sound system for movies. Both systems give me exactly what I need for what I am listening to at that particular time. Most important of all is the enjoyment I get. Which is all that matters in the end... Keep up the great work, love your videos.
Back in the 70s I remember separates as being esoteric (and more expensive) perhaps appreciated more by audiophiles; space was often at a premium, and as you noted integrated was much simpler to manage for the average stereo buyer trying to pay for it all with an after school, part-time job. Separates were a way to 'separate' yourself as an audiophile- and yes I remember being told by sales people the quality of separates was better. At least that was the pitch. The 'pick and choose' or mix n match arguments never appealed to me. The name of the game was largely the most watts for the dollar for most first time buyers on a budget. In 1975 I made $2.05/hr at my first job; buying a quality sound system was something many of us aspired to, but we needed to leave some $$ to buy the albums as well. Integrated receivers made the most practical sense.
A Receiver was needed in the 70's. FM sounded better than it does now days, or maybe it is my age. I don't like the sound quality of FM anymore, but I had to have a receiver when I got back into this audio hobby. I don't use the FM very much, only for a classical no commercials station. Did not really think it through so I guess I was full on Nostalgia tripping
For 1985 me, the factors were pre-amp features and amplifier power. I went with a Carver C-1 preamp for the Sonic Holography (which when set up correctly is awesome) and the Hafler 500. This preamp had all the inputs I needed, including all the tape deck cross connects (I also have a DBX 224 and 4BX). The Hafler was a kit that I build as a EE student. I looked for about 2 years before deciding on these (mostly scraping up the money). This system still works after all these years. Thanks for the video.
You are so right on! The most important component in your system is the room & how it's treated, then it is your setup and finally the speakers, then the electronics and finally the amp/s. I don't think you will be able to notice a major difference without a highly dedicated room. But the bottom line is always is if you as an individual are happy with what you hear. I doesn't matter what anyone else thinks because you're the one that is paying for it and listening to it the most.
I have to agree with you on the visual impact of a receiver. I still have my first Sansui receiver from 1971 and every time I look at it I smile. My daily listener is a Denon integrated that I enjoy but the Sansui is lan old friend. Just need to find a local shop that can service it to restore the sound quality to what is should be.
Excellent !! "Fuzz Bunny" -- wet myself, just a little. That would've been my Aunt Mildred, bringing her stuff into the shop. Never heard of a DiscWasher. I think back more to my Heathkit days, when I think about separates, integrated, or receivers. They sold kit versions of each of those, PLUS speakers. I got a chance to build several display units for the store. The separates that they sold, like the others, sometimes were evolutionary. They came out with a really awesome preamp that did it all. Then they matched it up to a power amplifier model, based upon your cash and speakers. They actually sold kit versions of Altec-Lansings, (Monsters), so they HAD to have a series of power amps. I am like you -- my room is not treated well enough, for me to notice the difference. To those that have a fully treated listening room, I could see possibly getting a really nice preamp, and then picking up a tube amp (McIntosh) for the "warmth" that everyone talks about. BTW: thanks for the email response. Take Care....
I'm all about the separates!! My system consists of 1- Samson sx-2400 amp 2- Cerwin Vega A-1800 amps 1- Cerwin vega GE-2 equalizer Nikko Beta-30 pre amp Nikko Gamma-30 tuner A Tascam CD-01U cd player Love the versatility
I've had all three formats over the years, loved them all for different reasons, but when a sx-5590 came into my possession I was done looking. Matched up with a decent tt (a good cartridge really made the difference) and a good cd player and great speakers, at least to me my sonic perfection journey was complete. Oh yeah, my reel to reel deck still does get occasional use when the mood calls for it. Thanks, Kevin
A couple of years ago, I decided it was time to get a good stereo system. At a local dealer I discovered a used McIntosh MA6900 that they paired with a McIntosh tuner. It sounds great (those blue meters are hypnotic) and I’m happy. Frankly, I don’t think separates would sound any better. What more do I need? (Hypothetical question).
I think you’re 100% correct… I have a Pioneer 737 I bought in 76 and the darn thing still sounds good with my heresy II’s…! I did buy an Outlaw 2160 to drive my Maggie’s.
Spot on with the pricing, I see receivers going for more than integrated / separates and purely for that lovely tuner dial glow.. Im guitly of loving the glow but integrated amps are my fav since I never use the tuner. Another feature I love is pre-amp outputs, the ability to leverage a bigger amp vs finding a bigger receiver can be a huge money saver vs a monster receiver. Also with pre-amp outputs when troubleshooting its much easier to tell if the issue is in the amp board or the pre-amp section by removing the jumpers.
Wish this video was around 4 years ago when I started collecting vintage audio, would've quickly cleared up a lot of questions for me. I have many receivers & quite a few integrated & stand alone amps but I use only one tuner for them. I found one Hitachi tuner that performs wonderfully in my area so I just swap it onto whatever amp or integrated that I happen to be using. Great fun comparing all this gear against each other, the unending search for "music nirvana". Go Leafs!
Kevin, I agree there is no right or no wrong. It's about enjoying the music. I have experienced and still own integrated amps and receivers. Each brand and models have different nuances. My Sansui AU-317 sounds & looks amazing yet my NAD 7020e is just as enjoyable and more straightforward on the eyes. I have a Sansui Model Eight Deluxe also that beats them all. At the end of the day, it's about what piece comes to you and intrigues you. Don't overthink it and keep it simple if you're unsure.
Love my separates in my 2 channel setup. The vintage preamp phono section and the tone controls on hand near my listening position are great! Sweet Oilers hat by the way! My favorite team since childhood!
That's a breath of fresh air an honest opinion that makes total sense and is reasonable for 90% of people out there it's just what do you like what sounds good to you. It's all good
I have never owned in integrated amplifier, I do, however, still own my Pioneer receiver that I got back in 1979 (SX-1980) featured in your early viewers set ups and multiple separates from companies like Onkyo Integra, Carver, Yamaha to name a few.. mix-and-match has always been the fun part of this hobby! Personally I don’t have a preference, they all sound good to these old ears!
It seems i'm like one of five fans of Pioneer Fluoroscan receivers. But one of their downsides is crosstalk between the tuner and tape input. It can be quite noticeable. When not listening to radio I make sure to turn the tuner off to avoid it, which leaves only half the pretty blue dial lit, which is a bummer. Other than that I think they're pretty cool.
Make it 6. I have an SX-780 but would consider an SX-3900 for my second system. I love the look and that brief transitional era with both analog and digital displays.
Great info for the novice stereo builders! I tend to lean towards the integrated amplifiers with the simplification of hookups and with top companies they were built bulletproof! Also separates tend to limit inputs! Many don’t have inputs for 2 tape recorders, two turntables, and a CD player! Sure you can add a router like a DBX 200 but that becomes another component that could add noise!
I’ve had my 9090DB since I purchased it in the mid 70’s. About 2 years ago I purchased a whole new system powered by a Marantz PM8006 which I’m extremely pleased with. The difference in sound is the Sansui is full , a more warmer sound. Where as the Marantz is much more brighter. These are my opinions and throughly enjoy both😁😁😁
Great topic! I am new here as of about a week. I been lurking around at first, but now I am responding to some posts. I am going to say that I am having a BLAST! @Kevin Saying that your posts are going to be fun is spot on! The biggest thing I can relate to you is that I was an audio technician in the late 80's to the early 90's. I also had been a DJ and an audiophile during that time too. Now the big difference was that I was an audio technician for commercial equipment as it pertained to the world of night clubs and DJ's. I had worked for a DJ outfit for 13 years as a technician. Now while I mostly worked on commercial equipment, there was an overlap as many a DJ had brought in their home equipment and this is how I come exposed to that market. Now, getting on topic here, everything you said about separates is what I expected and is spot on. I agree that you can very well get sound equal to and even surpass separates in a receiver or an integrated amplifier. I was shocked when I saw how well built the Sansui AU series was. Some Kenwood's had separate power supplies for each channel, a feature normally seen in dedicated power amps. Further, learning about the Twin Power Harmon Kardon receivers having the same feature blew my mind! So if that is the case, why would separates appeal to me. You summed it up well when you said that the big advantage to separates is to be able to take the ability to change an item out to the next level. As how you can swap out a turntable or speakers, you can swap out the tuner, the preamp or power amp as well. THAT is the big appeal. Now, granted, the tuner isn't that big of a deal to me as with you, I very rarely listen to the radio anymore and I don't need one on a huge system. So as long as the tuner receives well, it is something I wouldn't bother with changing out. The preamp is where it is at, and like with a DJ system, the preamp is the mixer, the thing that you touch most. So that is something that would be an upgrade item. So with a DJ system, it becomes essential that you can swap out a mixer and keep your power amp. Power amps for commercial equipment gets very big and expensive on their own. So if you keep your speakers, you will tend to keep the amplifier too. But you do have the option to upgrade that as well. Taking this into the home world and wanting to get into separates did present the obvious disadvantage of high cost. So I usually did as most people did and bought a receiver. But what if I wanted more power later on? I would be stuck and probably would have to buy another receiver. However, I had come to the knowledge that some higher built models of receivers had pre-out main in jacks and this allowed you to change the receiver into a dedicated pre-amp and then hook up a power amp later on when funds allowed. Nowadays, I almost ALWAYS look to see if a receiver has these jacks. I still have a few receivers like this. One of my favorites, is my Denon 545R. While it doesn't have pre out - main in, it has pre-outs. It is a VERY nice sounding receiver that has a built in 50wpc amplifier. It also has a remote! Later on, an Onkyo M504 was practically dropped into my lap. It was a repair that came in and I fixed it, but the customer ended up abandoning the item. I...naturally...gave it a good home :). This bumped up my 50 wpc amplifier to 165 and it had these HUGE green meters (that could rival the blue meters on a McIntosh). Normally I am not a big fan of the Onkyo sound, as they seem dull in the high end. However, the 504 didn't have this problem. It sounded beautiful, but there was one caveat, the amp weighed a lot and while initially I had it in a bedroom, I had realized that it was just way too much power than I really needed. So I sold it off and just went back to the internal 50 wpc amp in my Denon. I had later acquired an NAD 3155 integrated amplifier and you guessed it...I made sure it had the Pre-out Main In jacks on it! Further, this amplifier as a bridge option in which you can change the 55wpc to 120watts and then you can get an add on power amplifier that has the same capability and thus "upgrade" the system to a full 120watts. It is a very nice Integrated Amplifier and I did get the matching tuner with it too. Sadly though, the amp stopped working and I have to fix it. Anyway, this was a great topic on why one would want separates (or not). As I said, I like the idea of separates as I mainly would change out the pre-amp once I found an amplifier I was happy with and it is doubtful if I would change out the tuner. Heck, I think I wouldn't even bother with it. The main saving grace of a tuner is to just add a nice lighted slide rule to the system! BUT if you have a nice pair of VU meters on an integrated amp, that does make up for the lack of a slide rule. I think you probably would agree with me on that!
It was an easy choice for me. My dad had an SX-780 that I listened to a as a kid in the late 80s/early 90s. That was what I wanted. I do listen to FM quite a bit as well. Both my 580 and 780 have digital to analog converters on the aux channel so I can run the TV through them, but I still just put a local classic rock fm channel on and just let it play through the day.
I bought my first integrated amp in 1975. I bought other integrateds and didn't buy my first receiver until 2000. I have several receivers now but if someone asks me what is better I tell them buy an integrated or separates and buy an inexpensive tuner and keep it forever. It's only radio.
I purchased my Yamaha CR-2020 back in 1978. At that time Yamaha had some great separate Pre-amps and Power-amps but my budget had me stay with a receiver. Shortly thereafter I added a DBX 3BX Series III w/ impact restoration and a DBX 120 Subharmonic Synthesizer. Those additions made my Dahlquist DQM-7 speakers sing! Currently I'm looking for a new (or used) set of speakers to add to my setup. Informative video!
I started out with a receiver, Scott with 35 watts @ 8, then went to an integrated, Sony V-Fet, then separates. I like the separates as I could change whatever I wanted at the time without having to buy components I already have and I like to just get a more powerful amp or cleaner pre or whatever I need or want. Changed from a box speaker to Mags so needed a different amp and so forth. Now at 74 with my hearing shot, I would probably go for a good receiver if a major component went down but I haven't been faced with that yet. Enjoyed your video as I always do
Been a collector of vintage stereo equipment recently I found this sanyo 85 w in the garbage it is pristine from 1985 I just thought I'd share that love the vids Kevin 😊
Hey brother Can you or is it able to do this . Can you take a 510 with no meters and put meters in a 510 and turn it into a 510M Thank you for your help
Awesome unbiased take on vintage equipment. I love my vintage receivers, at the same time admire both separates and integrated equipment. I'm one who loves the look of a receiver. Most all my music is 60s 70s 80s rock. Warm highs and thunder for bass😊
I have a dedicated and well treated room. Let me give you my honest opinion. I still can't hear the noise/dustortion many claim they hear. In fact I've hosted some blind tests in my home between separates and high end receivers and not once could any of the 4-6 experienced listens pick what was what. Now, in some cases things sound diffrent, but not every time, and not always in favor of separates. It's my experience that a well designed piece using good internals will sound great regardless of what form it takes. Thanks for another well thought video.
Thank you so much for sharing that! I have always had the same experience, minus the treated room, to conduct the AB blind test in. Again, thanks for the comment and thanks for watching, Jack!
Great video as usual, always learning something new here!! I just recently got back into vintage audio (the first time I just called them stereos I can't afford) I have all three different types right now but my brother just gave me a Sansui g9000 so for now at least I'm a receiver guy. 😁
The times I noticed the most difference: I had a Kenwood integrated (late 80's). it was muddy , gutless and out of 120 claimed wpc, it was more like 30, max. I went to a Carver receiver, and the power level jumped by a factor of 4 or 5. I had to get fairly expensive (by compare) on separates to get better sound. IE: an ADCOM preamp and GFA 555 amp. The Adcom preamp was a much cleaner signal path than the carver receiver's preamp section. The GFA-555 was easily twice the current as the Carver. One of the best modern "integrated" pieces was an Acurus DIA-100. Passive volume control on a real 100 watt a/b amp. Before subwoofers, you needed large speakers to really hear the difference in bass that higher current brings , for example: infinity reference, ADS, etc.
Well Kev, I'm going to have to stop commenting on your videos because they've been getting deleted lately..... But I'll keep watching and liking them.. Wishing you well..
I have separate and I'm quite pleased with them. I have the little marantz 3200/140/112 and I absolutely love the look. I would love to have the 3300/240 or 250/ 22 set too because I think they also look incredible.
Hahahahaha I drank the cool aid on my Marantz. I came across a European black face 2270 and couldn't resist. Resistance is futile when it came to those blue lights 😂. I listen to mostly vinyl and the phono boards in the Marantz are great IMHO. I mean when you think about it what was the main outside source back in the day, vinyl. So the manufacturers usually had good phono boards. There's my two cents.
Calgarian here and if I was a hockey fan, I'd take issue with your choice in hockey teams lol. But it's cool to see someone down south supporting a Canadian team! You pointed out listening space limitations and this might be something to explore a little bit further. Receivers are a great option for smaller spaces for example but there are many variables to consider of course.
My argument for integrateds a d receivers would be, that the designer already took care of component matching for you, so you don't have to try find matching separates. Also less trouble with pesky wires.
I have 3 vintage receivers and 5 vintage integrated amps. I'd have to say with the decline of radio over the last 20 years I kind of prefer collecting integrated amps at this point because I primarily listen to CD's and not the radio.
A massively informative video. Aside from the simple explanations, a very realistic approach to an every day set up. Know your limits. Hugely important. Limited shared space and keeping MrsM happy are mine.
Well separates make it easier to use stuff like an equalizer. And with the new equipment like my Yamaha integrated there are no hookups for any type of tape deck.
I have two systems. In one I have separates because a friend of mine made me an offer I couldn't refuse on an Aragon 18K Preamp. I had access to an Acurus P10 Phono Stage which was a perfect fit (same manufacturer) and then found a used Linn LK85 Power Amp. Synergistically it all worked phenomenally well with some Advent Speakers so I have kept that system rather intact. In my 2nd system I have an integrated amp. And I think you were spot on when you said many younger people who are taking the "deep dive" into vintage components choose a receiver because of the "looks" even if they have no intention of using the "tuner". Especially with the older Marantz gear; the receivers were stunning; the integrated amplifiers not so much. Thanks for your highly entertaining and informative videos.
Up to a point, there is little difference in performance and sound quality, so the reasons for different kinds of equipment are mostly aesthetic. Past that point, however, improvements can be heard by a FEW people who are adequately sensitive. For them the best system will Always be separates. Happily, I am apparently not that sensitive and can get by with decent receivers and integrated amplifiers.
One can argue that any receiver is a mix of compromises by the manufacturer. Obviously, most of the manufacturers back in the 70's and 80's made multiple receivers, and going higher in their line generally meant getting more power and better specs across the board. At least some manufacturers put out fewer models in their separates lines, and likely had at least somewhat better specs in their separates than in their receivers, to justify the increased cost of separates. Ultimately, the real question (unless money really is no object) is, what is enough? Partly what is good enough, and partly where is the point where more expense doesn't result in any significant difference. That said, I bought my first receiver with jumpers between the preamp and the amplifier section, so I could upgrade. Going from 45 watts per channel to 350 did make more volume, but I did notice a difference in clarity and the noise floor was higher. So, before I went to grad school, I sold the amp and put the jumpers back in. Eventually I bought new speakers that revealed the current limits of the amplifier section, so I bought a new receiver with a bit more power but higher current capability, plus a tuner that was digital, which eliminated the frequency drift of the original receiver. The original receiver is still part of the system, working as a switch to enable more inputs in the system. So, ultimately it's all good.
I like my Sansui G5500, there's several reasons: I paid about $80 for it, I like the ability to have FM, there's a lot of good terrestrial radio here and part nostalgia. I had it recapped and it is solid!
I prefer separates now that I can afford them. I like that I can mix and match. Currently using a Kenwood preamp, that I switch between a pair of mono rotel class D , or my trustworthy Kenwood power amplifier. Both are good, but they're different.
Separates for me. I really like the options it's gives you. Now, with that being said, I like receivers as well. But the modern receiver I think would be cool to have is 4 grand. I dont have that much in my Separate system. I'm close but I'm under 4000 dollars. The receiver I'm referring to is the the new Yamaha, it's cool, but to rich for my blood.
I have all three types being a Yamaha fanboy..I have lots to chose from..my “black stack” 80s separates are my fun group..my 70s Integrated is my collector piece..and so on to me it’s all good..funny thing is I live in the Rocky Mountains where radio reception SUcKS. But yet I own multiple tuners and Receivers..go figure ? As I have said before it’s become an illness..Keep up the great work
Thanks for the video. I tend to prefer integrated amplifiers. There is a synergy within that transfers to the flow and cohesiveness of the music being reproduced. Also, a shorter signal path within the unit from preamp to amp generally results in better sonics. But as you say, 'that's just my opinion'. Be well.
Room n finance is biggest problem for me so I keep it simple, good vintage receiver (great local jazz station), turntable, DAC, and great speakers, I’m done. No more fighting with wires, cables and wife.
the top interest in separating is the physical space to build something with vetter parts, design, etc. most important for separates vs integrated may be separate power supplies. the drawback is interconnects and taking up more space. crosstalk and semantics arent related. semantics is the branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning.
I love receivers for their look. I love how receivers put it all in one box. I am an OLD MAN with old ears. I won't hear degradation caused by collections of oscilloscope blips. I have 9 beautiful vintage receivers whose lights, controls, post industrial look, quality of design, workmanship and materials all turn me on. I think fully restored receivers sound great! The Pioneer SX-1980 is my most valuable receiver. I'm not rich but if I were rich I'd buy a super expensive tube, high watt McIntosh amp with matching McIntosh everything to go with it. I'd spend $50,000 or more but man it'd be lovely. Separates ARE nice, integrated are nice too but they don't turn ME ON like MONSTER silver faced RECEIVERS do! Not a judgment, no hate here, just "Autistic Werewolf Truth!"
Thank you, nice video. I think it can help people getting into the hobby. I like the ability to mix and match with seperates, but an intergrated with tube preamp and the right speakers can be an interesting option if you're looking buy once and change the system up. My ear isn't as developed as some and sometimes being naive can be bliss. Being realistic with goals, your ear, space, style of music etc IMO drive the decision. If you like a power hungry speaker, a powerful seperate system maybe your ticket.
For me its all about different listening experience each oprion gives you. You could even expand into active crossovers where you might have 6 seperate amplifiers powering low, mids & highs of each channel. I digress...Speakers & Room shape sound. Tubes sound different, horns sound different, separates sound different from integrated and receiver. Brands have unique sound signatures. IT CAN ALL SOUND REALLY GOOD IF DONE RIGHT.
I like integrated amps and receivers. The biggest reasons being the simplicity and phono stage. Because of the prevalence of vinyl in the 70s and early 80s, the phono stages in many integrated amps and receivers are of very high quality. To buy the equivalent phono stage, pre-amp and amp would be, as you mentioned, more expensive, and for me, not worth it. Beyond that, I only need the Aux input for my DAC and I'm good to go. If I had a dedicated room and/or had "upgrade fever"/like to swap components, then I would definitely consider separates, I don't have either and, it's better on my wallet.
Yes they sound different. One of my set ups is Musical Fidelity ntegrated but now using as preamp with Outlaw rr2160 as an amp. It sounds better than these two as integrated alone. Clearly a more robust sound when they work together as pre/amp.
Great topic! I would add that a reason to go with separates would be if you have some speakers that take a lot of power (for your listening levels) which would not be found in all but a few of the monster receivers or really powerful integrated amps (vintage gear, of course). As for a problem with separates- not knowing which component is bad, everyone I know that is into vintage gear is going to have more than one preamp, power amp or integrated amp so they can swap components until the problem goes away, but that is not going to be the case with someone just starting out I suppose....
Well, doesn't that also depend on the speakers you use? A more sensitive speaker (Klipsch, but also Sonus Faber f.i.) just needs less power for the same sound pressure.
@@erwindewit4073 Yes, and I mentioned that- If you have a pair of very efficient speakers (Klipsch LaScalas in my case), 60w is plenty for 95% of one's listening in a normal sized room, and a lot of receivers and integrated amps will fit the bill nicely. If you have a pair of power hungry AR9's that's not going to hack it....
@@vintageaudioreview Wow, I’d very much like to try LaScalas if I ever get the chance! I’ve used Mission, Q-Acoustic and Harbeth speakers until now. I will probably try Dali Suite 2.8s to that as well..
3:37 it makes difference. Receivers has usually single transformer for everything, tuner, amp, preamp, lights etc. Separates like mine pioneer Elite has 5 transformers and separate power supplies. But of course if someone likes receivers, thats great. It depends on personal preferences
My take is that separates sound better because first of all (specifically for vintage HiFi) they are often the flag ship products in the amplifier line up of a particular brand. The second reason is that integrated power amps almost always share the power supply between the pre-amp and power amp (with sometimes some regulation for the pre-amp). Having a dedicated power supply for your pre-amp makes a huge difference, much more than boutique cables of any kind. Having said that, it is not a religion to me. My main amp is an integrated Luxman L210. It so happens to give a very good synergy with my speakers. Ironically both components tend to give a fast base, rather than a deep warm base. It is often said that components should compensate each others sound signature. That is not my finding in all cases.
For my "modern" system, I have separates. I like the sound of a tube preamp with a solid state amp. I have several "vintage" systems. All my vintage systems consiste of an integrated amp and a matching stereo. I think a matching integrated amp and stereo can match the good looks of most "montster" stereo receivers. Often, they have better stereos and are cheaper to purchase.
I prefer an integrated amp but I need a much bigger power amp to drive my AR9's so i have a Hafler DH500 and just use the preamp from my integrated ( Sanaui AU 7900).
i like separates and I buy the best I can afford. I love lights, VU meters, and lots of cables. my wife wants sonus. she can't hear what i hear. And, it's got to look nice. I still have my Phase Linear 700B which i still use for certain things -- no remote for that puppy.
I'm a bit late to the talk, and I have a mis mash of componets. For all day back ground sound, I have a vintage Yamaha cr-400 receiver, with a set of Yamaha bookshelf speakers, this plays most days all day. My other system is Yamahs a-s 501 integrated amp, Yamaha ct-400 tuner, Fluance RT-85 TT, old Sony blueray player for cd's, just for no reason a Akai CR-81D 8 track player recorder. Also JBL a130 speakers. Nothing fancy it jusworks for me. I am one who still likes FM radio, classic rock 93.3 the Eagle
In terms of sound quality: Best: Seperate/Power Amp Better:Intergrated Amp Good:Receiver Due to the fact that power amp do not need to put budget on preamp and tuner so they can put full quality on the amp. Integrated amp is very close to power amp in quality actually but most will do fine with Reciever
Interconnects can be an additional expense and a potential problem with separates. Good interconnects can be expensive and subpar interconnects can degrade sound.
As a follow up to my previous comment, I finally got my AU-519 after 3 months of waiting and 14 hours of drive time. Set it up for my rather compact space with a few considerations from this video. Listening spaces vary so you can't blame the equipment for underperforming without considering that. I just turn a few knobs around and try to get the best balance for the space I have. Works great!
If someone is "just starting out," it's always better to keep it simple. I tell them to find a receiver and speakers that they like (make sure the speakers will fit DIMENSIONALLY where they want to put them). Some people are resurrecting an old turntable ("get one with a phono input") some people may be wanting to use an EQ with an analyzer ("make sure it has a tape monitor loop or pre-out/main in jacks") and some just want to hook up their CD player. I would generally steer novices away from separates. If they have that kind of money to spend on such a system, they really shouldn't be talking to me.
I would always laugh when I would sell separates and couldn't convince the customer to buy high-end interconnects. I'll take a higher level integrated any day.
I own a pioneer sx1250 and a pioneer A40 and I run them thru 3 sets of cerwin vegas I'm happy with the sounds. integrated receivers tend to handle multiple inputs better.
Don't forget that the Group of People, who Grew up With these Recievers during the Power Wars and I'm Talking the "Quality" high End Recievers, Love them, Had Them and Now can afford a Completely Mint or Close to Mint Example , Separates and Reciever People were 2 Groups Then and the Same pretty much Now! By the way the 5 List was a Great Video and as far as Sound Goes Yes the 50 Series probably was the better Build but Personally the 80 Series along with Marantz Recievers were My Choices then and to that End my 2 Recievers are a Pioneer SX1280 and a Marantz 2270, the Pioneer being my Favorite not Just because of Power but the Size and the VU meters as well as Warm Beautiful Clean Sound , if it Cost more at service Time that's to be expected anyhow. The Marantz is because of the Same thing , sans the VU meters and the Same thoughts were on my mind Back in the Day. Also everything in one Box gives me More Room for the other Equipment!!! Including the Mint Equalizers that will always be in my systems because I Love the ability to change up the Sound to Fit the Room or Just My Mood and I love the ability to change the Frequencies around if needed to Make up for The Vintage Crappy records Tapes and CDs , because we all know there was plenty of those Mixed in with the Awesome ones!! Thanks for Reading and hope all of us Music Nuts find their own Niche because after All, there wouldn't have Been all of These Choices if Everyone "Liked the Same Sound and Same Equipment " - LOL
You’re you’re right about aesthetics, that is a big factor for me. I’m quite happy with my Pioneer SX1250 receiver. As nice to look at as a piece of furniture as it is to listen to. I’m more focused in finding a DAC to go with it. I’m currently using an Audioquest Dragonfly Red and want to upgrade. Wondering where is the sweet spot for a DAC to connect to a vintage receiver? Any recommendations? Maybe a future episode??
I have used Sonos connects or ports for the last 8 years, maybe not the greatest, but good enough for me. I need to grab some dacs so I have an opinion. Thanks for watching.
Ask an Electrical Engineer their opinion and ideally they will select separates. Ideally is key word there. That said, we all have to live with the cost, room, and complexity of multiple pieces and remotes. Ask an Electrical Engineer about upgrading the power cord? Well let's just say it may take them awhile to stop laughing. Any self respecting audio brand will not benefit from a "high end" power cord as it already came perfectly capable of doing anything the equipment might require so if you need an upgraded power cord you need to buy different branded equipment.
I moved from receivers to integrated amps about 15 years ago with a Yamaha A-S700, but I eventually bought an NAD C-427 outboard AM/FM tuner because the Twin Cities still has some really good stations, and I don't stream. And as someone from the Twin Cities, let's not talk about Hockey. At all. Ever again. Please.
