Dear Steve:

I’m interested in getting the best possible sound, but I’m not quite sure I understand the performance-sound quality differences between receivers, integrated amplifiers and separates -- preamplifiers and power amps.

You didn’t mention whether you’re referring to stereo or surround sound components, but in either case the distinctions between component types are the same. A receiver combines three components in one chassis – an AM/FM radio, a preamplifier and a power amp; integrated amplifiers are similar, but lack the radio circuitry. Receivers and integrated benefit from the very significant cost efficiencies of building all of the circuitry in one chassis. But if you’re searching for the best possible sound separates are the way to go. Even top of the line receivers and integrateds can’t spare enough internal real estate to house the sort of humongous power transformers and bulky capacitors used in separate power amplifiers. Remember too that receivers’ squeeze their sensitive low-level and processing circuitry right next to the pulsing magnetic fields radiated by the power amp section – and that has to have a detrimental effect on the sound. Then there’s the matter of build quality – top-notch separates are loaded with premium parts – receiver and integrated amp designers have to work within far more limited budgetary constraints. To my ears at least, higher-end separate components have greater sonic gravitas and audiophile cache.