another rookie question - preamp or or power amp

There are some really good integrated amps, but there are advantages in going with separates too.  Which is better is a variable...it depends on the particular component in question.  If you get another integrated, it could be an upgrade, or it could be a sideways step.  Ultimately, I opted for separates and have never regretted it.  There's a lot more flexibility with separates, and the physical and electrical isolation is a plus.  

If you plan to get one good integrated amp and be done with it, an IA is a good option. If you figure to continue your journey to other levels, the move to separates makes the most sense to me. All of the best systems I’ve heard had separates. At a certain level the limitations of an integrated will typically become apparent at some point. (granted I haven’t heard all of them, or even the best of the modern ones, but the physical and electrical separation, along with separate power supplies is a benefit...at some point, it’s a benefit that can be heard) It really depends on how far you want to take things......which is often an unknown until you get there! 🙄😉

@audiotroy

,,,what matters is the quality of the parts

True, but it’s worth noting that if you took the preamp section out of a good integrated amp, gave it it’s own power supply and enclosure, and used it to power the same amp, it would have some benefits over the integrated version of the same components.  How much of a difference that can be heard is another variable by itself, but there's definitely that potential.

There’s never a free lunch though...separates require a separate set of RCA connectors, which can introduce a new source for degradation if not done well. The good news is that it’s not hard to do a competent job of picking that cable.