Go back 20 years and all high-quality stereo systems would invariably comprise of separate preamplifier and power amplifier components. In today’s marketplace by comparison, the top-of-the-range products are still separates, however it’s now commonplace to use a high-quality integrated amplifier.

From my experience there are no hard and fast rules to denote that one topology is necessarily better than the other... so let’s take a brief look at both.

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Wolfgang Vogel recently reviewed the Silhouette SXP2 Passive Preamplifier and SX60m 60W Mono-Aural Power Amplifier in issue 59 of German hi fi magazine 'Höererlebnis'.

The Silhouette pre/power combo inspired these words from Monsieur Vogel:

“...you really enjoy simply to listen to it and to be submerged in the creator’s cosmos of thoughts who wrote this musical event.”

“That infernal trio has as much impact as the legendary one Asterix after having taken the magical drink.”

Read the SXP2 & SX60m review in it's entirety.

New Zealand hi fi and technology magazine 'Tone' have reviewed the Silhouette SXP2 Passive Preamplifier and a pair of SX60m Mono-Aural Power Amplifiers in Issue 54.

Reviewer Steve Smith had these words to say:

"Not only was there oodles of power, but the sound-staging and low noise floor were immediately apparent."

Read the SXP2 and SX60m review in it's entirety.

Issue 54 of 'Tone' is on news-stands now, why don't you pop out and get yourself a copy...