Power/pre amp vs Ingegrated vs Receiver for 2-channel/5-channel

[blackraven]

There are definitely integrated amps that can sound as good as separates. The problem with integrated amps is when you start to get into some serious wattage. High power amps are huge and some weigh over 100lbs. For integrated amps to approach 250-500wpc they would dwarf these large power amps becasue of the built in pre amp. Just look at the Musical fidelity integrated that is 500wpc. It comes in 2 pieces.

Ozzie, that Cambridge 840A integrated amp your looking at is a great unit. All the Cambridge integrated amps and receivers are highly rated and have a nice smooth sound and some have been compared to a tube like sound. I certainly would not be swayed from buying an integrated amp because if the amp or pre amp were to break you would have to buy a whole new unit.

As far a receivers go, I would put my Adcom AVR at 268wpc against amps in the $1000-1800 range easily. (I can here the gasping or snickering now). It drives my Magnepans effortlessly at very loud volumes and has great bass and treble with a very clean and detailed sound. Could I get better sound with separates sure, but I would have to spend alot more than the $2k list price of the Adcom to get appreciably better sound unless I buy used.

But, I definitely agree that if your looking for the best possible sound, separates are they way to go, but you can get very good sound from some integrated amps and receivers.