Fair question. I've had separates for years. This year, the power amp is a 15
year old (roughly) Acurus A150 (150 watts per side
powered by bipolar transistors).
Two reviewers in Stereophile say that SOME integrateds made in the last 5 years
wipe the floor with the old technology.
For example, this Acurus is built a lot like my retired Hafler DH200- one huge
capacitor per channel. The Hafler's looked like soup
cans, bolted to the metal chassis.
The way they do things now is different. They use a half dozen, tiny, high
spec, capacitors *per channel*. They are soldered into
the board like anything else. The difference: amazing clarity, bass
articulation, extension, and control that beats the old
technology. So, you pay for 40 watts per channel but it's like a GT version of
a VW Golf- a wolf in sheep's clothing.
The Brits have it DOWN.
If I still had the Magnepans, I might not be making a good move but with
efficient speakers (class B, not bass limited Mirage M3si)
and a small room, I'm confident. Forty excellent watts are smarter than 150
so-so watts for this room and for dynamic drivers.
Lama
From: "Giles" <cnocbui@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Yes, but is the shelf big enough to add a CD player?
>
> Why did you go to all the trouble when you plan to use an
> 'integrated' amp - sneer
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|