Integrated, or pre+power amp?

[pstruck]

If I buy an integrated amp and then decide to add a stereo power amp at a later date, am I gaining or losing anything over a pre+power set-up?

Or, worded differently to reflect my current dilemma, if I know I am going to add a power amp, would it be better to wait and buy the pre/power combo when funds permit, rather than buying an integrated now?



If specifics make any odds, then the question is in relation to Roksan Caspian (M Series-1) stereo music listening set-up.

[OldSkoolRS]

Have a demo with the intergrated as pre amp compared to the 'proper' pre amp. If you can't hear any difference then chose accordingly. There would always be the possiblity of biamping using the integrated for the treble and the separate power amp for the bass for example (again if a demo shows that you can hear the difference between single and biamping).

[P700DEE]

Unless you are spending big $$$ you are much better off with an integrated.

[Toffer]

P700DEE said:

Unless you are spending big $$$ you are much better off with an integrated.

Too true...also spend your money at the front end first where the audio signal originates, before worrying about your amplification too much. As they say "st in = st out"!

[0a]

Second hand Pre/2*power combo. Currently using meridian kit picked up for under £300, awesome (and 160w of proper power each!)