Integrated vs. Separates: Finding the Right Fit for Your Hi-Fi System

When it comes to building a high-performance home audio system, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between an integrated amplifier and separate components. While some enthusiasts chase ultimate flexibility with separates, others prioritize simplicity without sacrificing sonic quality. To help demystify the differences—and advantages—of each approach, we spoke with Greg Stidsen, NAD Electronics’ Chief Technology Officer.
With decades of experience shaping NAD’s acclaimed approach to amplifier design, Stidsen shares valuable insights on what sets these options apart and how NAD ensures exceptional performance across both categories.

NAD: Can you explain the fundamental differences between integrated amplifiers and separate components in terms of sonic performance and system flexibility?

Greg Stidsen: A component stereo system typically includes one or more source devices—such as a CD player, streamer, or turntable—connected to a control amplifier and then a power amplifier, which drives the loudspeakers. Over time, it became common to combine the control and power amplifier into a single unit: the integrated amplifier. Since both are amplifiers and require similar packaging, this consolidation made sense.

That said, higher-end systems often separate these elements even further, including dedicated phono preamps, standalone DACs, and isolated power supplies. While most music lovers will be fully satisfied with a high-quality integrated amplifier, audiophiles pursuing the “ultimate system” often prefer separates for their flexibility and potential to fine-tune every element. For them, hi-fi isn’t just a purchase—it’s a quest.

What are the key advantages of choosing an integrated amplifier for home audio?

Simplicity and value. An integrated amplifier reduces the system to one box, eliminating the need for additional interconnect cables—which can be costly extras. It also takes up less physical space, an important factor for many listeners building systems in shared or smaller rooms.

When might an audiophile find separates to be a more compelling path to achieving their ultimate listening experience compared to an integrated solution?

The more focused the component, the more attention can be given to the smallest design details. Because separates are typically chosen by audiophiles, they tend to include more advanced features and fine-tuning options that help users tailor performance to their specific preferences and setups.

Since many audiophiles and purists prefer separates, how does NAD engineer its integrated amplifiers to appeal to those discerning listeners without compromise?

We use the same cutting-edge technologies in our integrated amplifiers that we use in our separates. NAD’s 50-year legacy in amplifier design informs every model we create. Through carefully developed design criteria, we’ve been able to elevate the performance of our integrated amplifiers to levels that come very close to their separate counterparts.

Can you share insights on the technological advancements in NAD’s separates that might not be present in other integrated amps?

NAD’s separates incorporate several advanced technologies that elevate performance beyond conventional expectations. Their time and impulse response is exceptionally accurate, with distortion levels so low they often fall beneath the threshold of even the best available measuring equipment. Technologies like MQA DAC help preserve the timing integrity of digital music, resulting in playback that feels lifelike and analog in its realism.

Many of these separates are also built on BluOS, NAD’s proprietary software platform. BluOS enables high-resolution streaming from cloud sources, manages local digital libraries, and integrates with iOS, Android, and major smart home systems. Because BluOS is software-driven, it receives continual upgrades that add functionality over time. NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) also allows users to swap in updated hardware as technology evolves. Finally, Dirac Live room correction technology is available in NAD’s separates, offering sophisticated calibration by analyzing a room’s unique acoustics and applying real-time adjustments for a more natural, accurate listening experience.

NAD has a long-standing reputation for amplification and musicality. How does the brand ensure that both its integrated amplifiers and separates preserve and express that acclaimed sound signature?

We design our components to reproduce real music through real loudspeakers—something that may seem obvious, but is often overlooked. Many engineers only test simple waveforms and simulated loads. At NAD, we go further by designing for demanding real-world use cases—and then adding a margin of performance to ensure uncompromising results.

As listeners’ habits and technologies evolve, how do you envision the future roles of integrated amplifiers and separates within the hi-fi landscape? Will traditional preferences continue to shape innovation?

We plan to grow alongside our customers. Our software-centric products can easily adapt to emerging standards, and we maintain a large, dedicated team of software engineers and testers to ensure ongoing compatibility with a wide range of music sources. One thing that never changes is human hearing. We continue to invest in neuroscience research to better understand how people perceive sound, so we can design products that sound even more lifelike and emotionally engaging.

Whether you lean toward the streamlined convenience of an integrated amplifier or the precision and flexibility of separates, NAD Electronics is committed to delivering high-performance solutions for every type of listener. As audio technologies evolve, NAD’s dedication to musicality, innovation, and user-focused design ensures you can build a system that not only meets your needs—but grows with them.