Deang Posted June 9, 2002 Share Posted June 9, 2002 I'm curious about the quality of the preamp sections in integrated tube amps. What are the compromises involved in an integrated design as opposed to separates? I realized this is a very general question, but would welcome some comments nonetheless. Any ideas? ------------------ Deanf>s> Cary AE-25/ S F Line 1/ S9000ES/ HSU x-over/ SVS CS+/ RF-7 Klipschcones®f>s> Exigency is the matriarch of ingenious contrivancef>c>s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShapeShifter Posted June 9, 2002 Share Posted June 9, 2002 Some things that come to mind: 1) Less flexibility if you want to upgrade later. 2) Power amp transformers are combined in same chassis as low-level circuits. 3) Potential for hum and feedback due to close proximity of stages. Intergateds due offer advantages too. Such as: 1) Cost saved on additional chassis. 2) Elimination of an additional pair of interconnects and possible signal degradation. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Just a matter of what trade-off the listener is willing to live with. ------------------ KLIPSCH IS MUSICf> My Systems f>s>c> This message has been edited by ShapeShifter on 06-09-2002 at 05:26 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted June 10, 2002 Share Posted June 10, 2002 Interestingly, a friend of mine just dropped by with a Dyna SCA-35 integrated VT amp he picked up quite a few years ago. We hooked it to the Khorns, let it set a while, and cranked it up. Hum inaudible, other noise present but neglible. At 17.5/channel, it is ample to drive the horns big time, though perhaps not to lease breaking levels. The big bass drum hits in the Fennel/Cleveland Winds Telarc disc definitely clipped, but in the gentle way only tubes can. I had a SCA-35 for most of the 70's matched with my Frazier Monte Carlos (96db/watt) and it was this sound that eventually brought me to tubes and Klipsch. Actually, the Dyna was an upgrade from a Grommes "Little Jewel" with 8 watts (if I recall correctly) per channel. It was also integrated and sounded great. Integrated VT amps can sound superb. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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