In my Audire amps, with its two 500 watt transformers, 8 26,000 mf caps, multiple outputs and big heat sinks, there is no room for similar, but smaller preamp parts. Not to mention (What a phrase!) the magnetic emanations that would require major shielding between the big amp parts and the preampe.g. I am not enthralled by 1000 watts of transformers, and 208,000 mf of magnetic/electrical generating devices next to my moving coil preamp. Why don't we just add a tuner, too. and a CD player, then carry it around on our shoulders?
Are integrated amps technically better than separates?
I'm assuming we are talking same class of amplifier and the integrated has the features you want. I'm thinking the integrated could actually be an improvement over separates due to being a more "direct" connection. Taking away the flexibility factor of separates, is my line of thinking correct?