Topic: Integrateds vs Pre ~> Power

[Stagger]

For me, a large part if my choice to go with separates was flexibility in future upgrades. As I am sure Nick will agree, the AES Symphonies is a killer little pre and favorably competes with pres 2-3 times it's cost. While I like my Rogue and have happily lived with it for 2.5 years, I won't rule out going to SS mono blocks in the future. With an integrated I'd basically be starting from scratch as far as the sound goes. I love the sound of my pre and am in no rush to change it. I guess the best way to think about it in taper terms is if you are looking for Schoeps, do you get CCM4's or MK4>KC5>CMC6? The former is certainly easier to deal with and when you add the cost of caps, actives and bodies, they are probably cheeper but you have the option of swapping out the caps on the CMC6 while still keeping a very basic element of the sound.

[Stagger]

For me, a large part if my choice to go with separates was flexibility in future upgrades. As I am sure Nick will agree, the AES Symphonies is a killer little pre and favorably competes with pres 2-3 times it's cost. While I like my Rogue and have happily lived with it for 2.5 years, I won't rule out going to SS mono blocks in the future. With an integrated I'd basically be starting from scratch as far as the sound goes. I love the sound of my pre and am in no rush to change it. I guess the best way to think about it in taper terms is if you are looking for Schoeps, do you get CCM4's or MK4>KC5>CMC6? The former is certainly easier to deal with and when you add the cost of caps, actives and bodies, they are probably cheeper but you have the option of swapping out the caps on the CMC6 while still keeping a very basic element of the sound.