Since 1906, the development of audio amplifiers has progressed from Triode Vacuum Tubes to MOSFETS and various other electrical components used to enhance, refine, and manage audio signals to the listeners’ ears. The transition from the 1960s to the 1970s marked a significant shift in how many companies produced and manufactured these evolving amplifiers.
The trend moved from using individual components to adopting a single system that provided the same results as the separate components. The integrated amplifier, in particular, became commercially popular in the 1970s and continues to be a staple in the audio community today.
Contents
SO WHAT IS THIS INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER?
An integrated amplifier is an amplifier, typically with 2 channels, that combines the functions of multiple component systems into a single unit. It merges the preamp and power amp with a phono stage, AM/FM radio, tone controls, attenuation, and often a wide range of additional features tailored to the audio community.
Today, integrated amplifiers are available in an almost infinite variety of shapes, sizes, and power levels. The best choice for your ears and environment depends on the structure and function of the unit. It will ultimately guide you towards your audio nirvana and journey. The journey is a crucial aspect of working with audio equipment, and it is quite rare to find the perfect match on the first try. Specialist assistance can help mitigate this and enhance the results.
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER WITH ANY INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
- Size
- Power
- Speaker match
- Sources required
- Wireless/Ethernet capable (Control via apps including sources and streaming services)
- Location/Furniture/Rack
- Headphone Jack
- Streaming supported services
- Subwoofer Out (Mono-LFE)
WHO ARE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS MOST SUITED FOR?
Integrated amplifiers definitely have a place in the world of audio. Are they always the perfect solution? No.
Do they meet all individual needs? No. However, they offer a consistent and efficient way to achieve quality sound regardless of the source, with the right support. They often provide more functions than a full range of component separates and can be updated to maintain consistency with current technology.
Choosing the right product should not be rushed. Technology, supported apps, services, and quality change rapidly. Having a clear idea of what is desired for the integrated amplifier’s use reduces the risk of issues when updates or new services emerge. Most problems can be mitigated by adding additional equipment to the integrated amplifier. If it sounds perfect, why change it when most integrated amplifiers have a wide variety of inputs to meet the needs of the evolving audio world?
So, what is an integrated amplifier? It is an excellent choice to start an audio system and journey. It offers the flexibility to address most audio needs and requirements while being updatable or augmentable, and it occupies a small footprint in its location. It provides simplicity, reliability, ease of use, and reduces variables that can affect sound (such as ground loops, excess cables, and power) compared to more complex component systems.
Do I recommend them? Yes, I do! I own two—one from the 1970s and a Yamaha network integrated amplifier, which is ideal for managing a large digital music collection and is simpler for my family to use compared to my more complex main system. Personally, I prefer it that way—children touching my turntables is a no-no!
What Does an Integrated Amplifier Do?
So, how do integrated amplifiers fit into all of this? For some audiophiles, their stereo system consists of multiple components. This setup includes a separate source device, preamp, and power amp, along with cables connecting them.
An integrated amplifier is a device that combines the preamplifier and power amplifier into a single component. It’s called an “integrated” amplifier because it includes everything you need in one box.
An integrated amplifier offers several advantages over selecting each component separately. One of the main benefits is that you don’t need to worry about how the components work together—the manufacturer has already managed that for you.
Another advantage is that with fewer cable runs, there are fewer opportunities for noise interference. Although the components in an integrated amplifier are physically close together, they are often better separated electronically than in a more piecemeal system.
While an integrated amplifier is a distinct category of stereo or home theater component, it also appears in other forms. For instance, an all-in-one music system with a CD player and speakers includes an integrated amplifier. Similarly, A/V receivers also feature integrated amplifiers.
How Amplification Works
Before we explore what makes integrated amplifiers unique, it’s important to understand how amplification generally works. This involves discussing the signal chain, which is the path the audio takes from your source device to the speakers or headphones.
The source could be a turntable, CD player, streaming network player, or even your phone. Regardless of the source, the initial volume is very low and needs to be significantly increased before it’s audible.
You could connect your source device directly to a power amplifier to make the audio loud enough for the speakers, but this presents a problem. You wouldn’t be able to adjust the volume or make any adjustments to the EQ or other settings.
To address this, the first component the signal from your playback device encounters is a preamp. The preamp slightly boosts the overall level of the signal to prepare it for the power amplifier. It also provides volume control and sometimes tone shaping.
Finally, after the preamp, the signal moves to the power amp. This is the last stage of amplification that elevates the signal to a level sufficient to drive your speakers or headphones.
