Integrated Amplifiers - All Our Models | audiohum

Integrated Amplifiers

If the electrical signals that sounds are converted into, coming from a CD player, a microphone, etc., did not go through an amplifier, but went directly to our speakers or speakers, the sound would be merely a whisper. Hence, we need an audio power amplifier, so that the signal is powerful and clear enough so that it can be reproduced in high quality by our speakers.

Integrated amplifiers incorporate the preamp and power amp stages in a single device. They are the most economical option, although their quality is generally somewhat lower than that of preamp and power amp sets.

Active filters

  • Brand: ProJect

What is an integrated amplifier?

An integrated amplifier is a line preamplifier (which may also include a phono preamplifier) and a power amplifier, connected to a single power supply, mounted in the same chassis.

In terms of quality, it will not outperform a stand-alone preamplifier and power amplifier, but an integrated amplifier has the price advantage and this is an important consideration when building a listening system. The integrated amplifier is therefore the ideal choice in terms of price/performance ratio.

Types of integrated amplifiers

There are different types of integrated amplifiers:

Transistor integrated amplifiers:

Transistor amplifiers work via a transistor, which receives an electrical signal from the instrument and amplifies it as an output through the amplifier. Transistor amplifiers are less expensive than tube amplifiers and have less influence on the tonality of the final audio.

Integrated tube amplifiers:

Tube amplifiers use vacuum tubes instead of transistors to amplify the electrical signal. The sound is produced by controlling the movement of electrons in an empty space at very low pressure, or in the presence of specially selected gases, hence the name vacuum tubes or tubes.

These amplifiers produce a "warmer" and more natural sound, with a distortion more pleasing to the human ear. However, they are hotter and more power-hungry, and their efficiency is low, providing less power than their solid-state (transistor) counterparts.

Hybrid integrated amplifiers:

These are amplifiers that have tubes in the preamp stage while the output is transistor. They were not very common a few years ago because it was not easy to integrate well with class A/B transistor power amplifiers, but the latest designs with class D amplification are giving outstanding results with tubes in the preamp.

Guide to buying an integrated amplifier

What to consider when choosing an integrated amplifier

The fundamental objective of any Hi-Fi system is to reproduce the full range of audio frequencies without distortion or loss of quality. To choose the most suitable amplifier for our audio equipment (and, by extension, power amplifier) we must take into account the type of music we listen to, the dimensions of the room in which we listen to it and, of course, the sensitivity of the loudspeakers we have.

The main characteristics of an integrated amplifier to take into account are the following:

Power and Performance of the Integrated Amplifier

Output power: The higher the output power an amplifier offers, the more room it has to handle and satisfy the demands of our loudspeakers. However, this is not the most important aspect, as it will depend to some extent on the size of the room and the loudspeakers we have.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity: On the analogue side, it is important to consider whether the amplifier includes balanced or phono input jacks. In the latter case, compatibility with MM/MC or MM-only capsules should be investigated. On the digital side, if the amplifier includes dedicated jacks, it will also offer DAC functionality or even streaming, with coaxial, optical and USB formats, but also wireless (AirPlay, Bluetooth or multi-room systems such as HEOs or Prisma).

Manufacturing: It is important to know the origin of the amplifier's manufacturing process in order to know how and from what materials key sections such as power supply, input, DAC, output are made and above all benefit those amplifiers that include in their mechanics technologies aimed at avoiding all types of vibrations.

Speaker and Audio Source Compatibility

In terms of speaker and audio source compatibility, it is important to consider the following:

The integrated amplifier must be compatible with the speakers you plan to use. Check the technical specifications of the amplifier to make sure it can handle the power and impedance of your speakers. The rated impedance of the speakers and the power capability of the amplifier must be compatible to ensure optimum performance and to avoid damage to the speakers or the amplifier.

The integrated amplifier must offer connectivity options suitable for your audio sources. Some amplifiers have analogue inputs, such as RCA or XLR connectors, which allow you to connect CD players, turntables or analogue audio devices. Other amplifiers may also have digital inputs, such as optical or coaxial, for connecting digital audio sources, such as network music players or televisions.

It is important to check the amplifier's connectivity options and make sure they are compatible with your existing or future audio sources.

Other parameters: In general, you should demand as wide and linear a frequency response as possible, as well as the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio, current delivery capability (easily detectable when the manufacturer's advertised output power over 4 ohms is 2 times higher than its counterpart over 8 ohms), channel spacing or damping factor.

Generally speaking, to loudspeaker a room of about 20 square metres with loudspeakers of about 90 dB/W/m sensitivity, a minimum of 130 watts of continuous amplifier power would be required, which would provide a very decent 114 dB at 1 metre and therefore more than 100 dB at the foreseeable listening distance (about 3 metres). With 50-80 watts continuous per channel there will be more than enough for quality listening in the most common conditions in domestic environments.

Advantages of Integrated Amplifiers

Integrated amplifiers offer several advantages that make them a popular choice in audio systems.

Exceptional and Detailed Sound Quality

Integrated amplifiers are often designed with high quality components and care in their construction. This results in more accurate and detailed audio reproduction, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality listening experience.

Compact and Space-Saving Design

By combining a power amplifier and preamplifier into a single unit, integrated amplifiers take up less space compared to having separate components. This is especially beneficial if you have limited space or prefer a more compact and aesthetically pleasing audio system.

Greater Control and Configuration Flexibility

Integrated amplifiers often offer a variety of connectivity options, giving you greater control and flexibility in configuring your audio system. You can connect different audio sources, such as CD players, turntables, music streaming devices, etc., and easily select the source you want to play. In addition, some integrated amplifiers may also offer tone control options and other features that allow you to adjust the sound to your personal preferences.

By having an amplifier and preamplifier in a single unit, integration with other audio components, such as speakers, is simplified. This avoids the need to deal with multiple cables and connections between separate components, making the audio system easier to install and use.

By having the key components in a single unit, integrated amplifiers can reduce the risk of interference and unwanted noise that can negatively affect sound quality. By minimising the number of connections and cables, potential sources of interference are reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the performance of an amplifier?

The performance of a hifi amplifier is measured by its output impedance, the damping factor, the negative feedback and its output power. In a good amplifier, the output impedance should be as low as possible, the damping factor should be high, it is good if it has zero feedback feedback and if it has ample output power.

What if the amplifier has more power than the speakers?

It is not the most common, but sometimes speakers can be broken by using an amplifier with less power than the loudspeaker. This is due to distortion.

If the amplifier is too powerful (more than double or triple the power of the speaker) there is also a risk of damaging the woofers, so a reasonable control of the sound level is needed.

Which connections are necessary?

For analogue sources, RCA and XLR (balanced) connections are used, which refers to their symmetrical design and separates phase, ground and neutral. These inputs normally give 3dbs more gain, so if both are combined, this must be taken into account to equalise sound levels between sources.

For digital sources such as digital players or CD transports, a USB, SPdiff or AES/AEU digital input should be used.

For connecting a TV or Apple TV, the Toslink type fibre optic input can be used.

What is the difference between stereo, power and wireless integrated amplifiers?

The difference between stereo, power and wireless integrated amplifiers lies in their functionality and approach.

Stereo integrated amplifiers combine power amplification and preamplification in a single unit for stereo audio systems. Power amplifiers focus solely on amplifying the signal and require a pre-amplified signal source. Integrated amplifiers with wireless connectivity offer the option to stream audio wirelessly from compatible devices.

What is the recommended power rating for an integrated amplifier?

The recommended power rating for an integrated amplifier should be compatible with the power rating of the speakers and meet your volume and performance needs without exceeding the handling limits of the speakers. It is recommended that you consult the loudspeaker manufacturer's specifications.

For personal attention, please contact us.

Can I connect different types of speakers to an integrated amplifier?

Yes, in most cases you can connect different types of speakers to an integrated amplifier, as long as the impedance and power of the speakers are compatible with the specifications of the amplifier. If you connect speakers with different sensitivities, you may need to adjust the volume level of the amplifier to obtain a proper sound balance.