Quick answer
An integrated amplifier puts the preamp and the power amp in one box. Separates give each job its own box. For most home systems, a good integrated amplifier is the right choice. Separates start to pay off when your speakers are demanding, when you want to upgrade one stage at a time, when the system is large or has many sources, or when you are chasing the last few percent of performance.
The two jobs inside every amplifier
The preamplifier chooses the input, sets the volume and prepares the signal.
The power amplifier takes that prepared signal and gives it the muscle to drive your speakers.
An integrated amplifier does both. Separates divide them.
Hegel makes both routes
Hegel's range covers the whole ladder: integrated amplifiers, pre amplifiers, power amplifiers, custom install amplifiers, DACs, CD players and phono pre amplifiers. That makes it a useful example of how the two routes differ.
The flagship H600 integrated amplifier shows how far one box can go. It delivers 303 watts per channel into 8 ohms and roughly 600 watts into 4 ohms, and it includes a built in DAC and network streaming. For many serious systems, that is the whole electronics chain in a single chassis.
Where an integrated amplifier wins
Simplicity. One box, one power cord, fewer cables, fewer places for things to go wrong.
Cost. You are not paying for two chassis, two power supplies and the cables between them.
Space. One shelf slot instead of two or three.
Matched design. The preamp and power stages were designed to work together by the same engineers.
Built in extras. Many integrated amplifiers include a DAC, streaming and a phono input, so one product can be the hub of the system.
Where separates start to pay off
1. Demanding speakers or large rooms. A dedicated power amplifier can offer more reserve, which helps with speakers that are hard to drive.
2. A clear upgrade path. You can change one component at a time instead of replacing everything.
3. Electrical separation. Keeping the sensitive preamp stage away from the power stage's transformers and heat can help preserve a quiet background. This is the same thinking behind dual mono designs.
4. Flexibility. If you have many sources, or you want a power amplifier that can also take a feed from a home theatre processor, a preamp and power amp arrangement gives you more options.
5. Placement. Some listeners put the power amplifiers close to the speakers and keep the preamp at the listening position.
Quick decision guide
Your situation | Likely best choice |
First serious system, one pair of speakers | Integrated amplifier |
Small room, efficient speakers | Integrated amplifier |
Hard to drive speakers, loud listening | Integrated now, or a power amplifier based system |
Home theatre plus stereo in one room | Preamp and power amp, or an integrated with a home theatre input |
You like to upgrade step by step | Separates |
Whole home or multi room | Custom install amplifiers |
What separates really cost
Separates need more than two boxes. You also need extra interconnect cables, an extra power connection, and more shelf space and ventilation. Good cables matter more when there are more links in the chain, which is why many separates owners also look at options such as Chord Company or Profigold cables.
Frequently asked questions
Is an integrated amplifier worse than separates? No. A well designed integrated amplifier can outperform badly matched separates. Separates have a higher performance ceiling, but only if the rest of the system and the room can take advantage of it.
What is a preamplifier for? It switches inputs, controls volume and prepares the signal for the power amplifier.
Can I add a power amplifier to an integrated amplifier later? Often, yes. Some integrated amplifiers have a pre out or a power amp input that allows this. Check the specific model.
Do I need separates for a home theatre? Not always. Many home theatre systems use a processor with separate power amplifiers, but a stereo integrated amplifier with a home theatre pass through input also works well.
Which is better value? An integrated amplifier, in most cases. Separates become better value when your needs are specific. If you are looking for separates at an affordable budget, check out the Fosi Audio range of products. You can get a streamer, pre-amplifier and power amp to build a complete system.
Talk to us before you decide
Not sure which route fits your speakers and room? Talk to the PRO FX team and we will help you choose between a Hegel integrated amplifier, separates or a Fosi Audio starter system.