Integrated Amplifiers: Simple vs Smart - Which is RIGHT For You?
26We look at integrated amplifiers and whether it's best to opt for a simple or smart model. We ask why they are so popular, what are the features you should be considering for your own Hi-Fi system? Plus, do you actually need one and what are the alternatives?
We also have special guest Ashton Wagner from Rega, who designs some of the very best Hi-Fi amplifiers you can buy.
Presented by Phil Hinton with Ed Selley and Ashton Wagner from Rega.
00:00:00 - Start
00:00:29 - Welcome and introductions
Main Discussion: Integrated amplifiers - Do you need one?
00:04:14 - Topic Introduction - Integrated amplifiers - how important are they?
00:04:44 - What is an integrated amplifier?
00:07:16 - Do you need an integrated amplifier or is Pre/power a better option?
00:10:13 - What are the possible drawbacks to a single chassis approach?
00:13:27 - What buying advice would Ed give a consumer looking for an integrated amp?
00:17:53 - What are the benefits of an integrated amplifier over other approaches such as a preamp and active speakers?
00:20:22 - What advantages might other routes have over an integrated amplifier?
The Rega approach to integrated amps
00:23:57 - A closer look at what Rega offers the integrated amplifier market
00:24:23 - Digital vs analogue inputs: What are the drivers behind the design decisions of the latest Elex and Elicit amplifier upgrades?
00:30:55 - Is there space for different integrated amplifier designs in the marketplace?
00:32:28 - How does Rega balance the simple vs smart amplifier choice?
00:36:39 - Phonostages: better included or outboard?
00:37:55 - HDMI eARC: How does Rega view the inclusion of this connection?
00:39:49 - The collision of AV and Hi-Fi - where are manufacturers going?
00:43:35 - Wrap up
00:44:42 - Ed’s Album, Vinyl and Playlist recommendations
00:47:09 - What is Ashton listening to at the moment?
00:48:26 - Competitions
00:51:25 - Goodbye
Podcast Resources
Reach our guest Ashton Wagner here: http://www.rega.co.uk/ and here: https://x.com/RegaResearch
Ed’s Recommendations
Album/Vinyl: Kessoncoda - Outerstate
https://kessoncoda.bandcamp.com/album...
Playlist: Qobuz: Middle Eastern and North African Electro
https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/22934860
Playlist converter: Soundiiz - https://soundiiz.com/
Reviews
Rega Elex Mk4 integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega...
Rega Elicit Mk5 integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega...
Rega Io integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega...
Rega Aethos integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega...
Rega Brio integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega...
Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/musi...
NAD 3050 integrated amp:
https://www.avforums.com/reviews/nad-...
Further integrated amplifier reviews can be found here:
https://bit.ly/4cfWols
Link to Hi-Fi Forums:
https://www.avforums.com/categories/h...
💬 Join the discussion about this podcast. Share your comments here: https://bit.ly/4d85Hp1
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