Edit: I can't believe I already screwed up with the title!! The "h" should be hair!


Hi Folks,


I apologize for the first post status and all, but I was referred here by an individual citing it as a great source of help and advice.  And well, I’m stumped regarding which path to take regarding integrated amps or separates…..

I just need some friendly good advice, nothing that you wouldn’t do yourself; I take your thoughts seriously.  


As a background of sorts, and to build some credibility of seriousness, I spent the last 9 days and over 19 hrs of actual audition time critically and blindly (to cost that is) listening to 15+ different tower pair from entry level to so called holy grails and chose a pair that sounded best to my ears. I can't even tell you how many salesmen I drove insane.  I'll purposely hold my tongue for what I chose  ::)lol

So, my problem lies in my indecision to choose an integrated amp, separate amp and pre, or even, simply a pro amp with AVR as the DAC….

To show you how bad my mind hurts, I’ve at one point said “This is it, I’m going with this…” for each following option  :o:

McIntosh Integrated MA6300
Musical Fidelity A5.5
Cambridge Audio 840A

Denon 2908CI AVR to McIntosh Amp, Rotel Amp, even Emotiva Amp
Denon 2908CI AVR to Pro Amp


So, what I see is a price range from $900 to $k+ at retail ….


So, if my focus is on quality reproduction of a variety of music, will my DAC or amplifier have more influence on the signal?  (Disregard power concerns, there will be enough lol)

I know and have heard the folks echoing separate for better quality, but if I’m going to need a DAC anyways for my digital signals, and since integrated units don’t have on board DAC’s, whats the use going integrated? Why not feed the AVR, perform conversion, and go to amp? That, and well, separate everything gets expensive real quick…..

And more importantly, what do you suggest I do….maybe we can spur better thoughts together then, lack for a better word, my crap.

Thanks so much for the read, time, and input.

Why don't you look into some of the tube options here? A good tubed CD player such as the Zen with a TABOO or MINI TORI SE would sound awesome. You would not necessarily need a DAC for that.

Oh man, my age is showing....I have no experience with tube gear guys....being 23 and just leaving college explains that  ;)