A70 monoblocks v AP70 Integrated

[ArloFlynn]

Here’s a question, what would be the (musical) benefits of using a Pre P50Sa & A70 monoblock setup compared to an Integrated AP70. I know this is a silly question, but I don’t really know the answer, if of course there is one.
Thanks
ArloFlynn

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Monoblocks would be a bit better.

1/ because of the SA
2/ the power supplies are a bit bigger
3/ better safety (wont overheat) with difficult loads as much more heatsink.

But an integrated is very - well integrated - it takes up less space and has less cables. I do things 'cos some like one way some like the other. The monoblocks are more popular.

[ArloFlynn]

Thanks for the answer, that's cleared it up for me.

ArloFlynn

[Quarknosis]

I own an AP70 and I had the SA fitted at a later date, this made a nice improvement, not night and day as far as sound quality is concerned in my opinion but certainly worthwhile (and it is hard to compare side by side). The biggest benefit was that it removed the channel imbalance at low levels that the standard VCs sometimes have and which bothered me before the change.

My personal opinion is that cables have made a greater improvement to SQ in my system.

Having said that I sometimes find myself wishing I had gone for the pre/power route for more flexibility. I'm not feeling that way at the moment as I have got the rest of my system sorted to my satisfaction. In any case the AP70 sounds superb.

[karatestu]

I would say that if the signal in wiring from sources has to pass near to a transformer to get to the volume pot on the front panel then separate pre and power would be better.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Not a problem with NVA integrateds.

[karatestu]

Not a problem with NVA integrateds.

It's all good