Integrated Amplifiers

Integrated amplifiers(pre/main amp) contain an audio preamplifier and power amplifier integrated into a single chassis, as opposed to separating the two. Many of today's popular audio amplifiers are integrated and have several inputs for external stereo devices such as CD players, DVD players, MP3 players and AM/FM tuners.

Long ago, an integrated amplifier commonly included an onboard phono preamplifier for the purpose of inputing the signal of a turntable as found on our Marantz models. Many of today's integrated audio amplifiers omit this as an onboard feature however in favor of offering the phono preamp as an outboard option such as the case with our Cambridge Audio models in the form of the 540p and 640p phono preamplifiers.

Today's most modern intergrated amplifiers offer a nice balance between high-performance, size and affordabilty making them a perfect addition to any high quality home audio system. Generally speaking, integrated audio amplifiers offer enhanced performance and flexibility compared to their all-in-one stereo receiver counterparts. For the highest levels of performance and flexbility though, you'll still need to consider a separates component stereo system. Be prepared though, a high quality separates system takes a lot more space and can be a much larger investment than the integrated options available. But many people find that the rewards in performance for are well worth it.