Are integrated amps technically better than separates?

@aberyclark  I forgot to add that I also compared the Mark Levinson 585 integrated, which is the best integrated I have heard. I don't bother with stuff too expensive since I don't find uber priced gear that interesting, except speakers.

I compared, on the same system (Magico A3 speakers), the Mark Levinson separates and the ML 585. The separates also had the top end ML DAC and streamer. Each separate piece was $20K each and the 585 was $12K ($6K used). I found the 585 much closer to the top end ML separates than the similar comparison of the Luxman 509x vs the Luxman separates.

That 585 is a really good integrated and the DAC in it was rather good. Not as good as the ML separate DAC for 20K but I am never paying 20K for a DAC. I think it was 20K may have been 10K.

I was auditioning the A3 speakers and that was the system they had set up. If I have bought the A3 I would have bought the 585.

I have not heard the brand new Mola Mola integrated which has the same DAC module as the Tambaqui DAC. I have my suspicions that this unit can give the Mola Mola separates a run for it's money.

When your talking integrated of the level of Gryphon Diablo 300, Pass Int-250, Luxman 509X, Accuphase E-800, Vitus SIA-030, Audionet Humboldt, CH Precision I1 and Dartzeel CTH-8550 you might ask yourself if it's still worth going separates?

The new Bladelius Audio Oden Integrated amp !
  
http://highfidelity.pl/@main-998&lang=en

I agree seperates provide greater flexibility and separation, but I have always liked the convenience of a good IA. As such I have owned both, like many others,  I moved back to an IA, Viva Solistino,  and have no regrets....its a fine IA and if I ever wanted to add a seperate PA, I can...but probably won't. Like many have already stated, it's about personal choice and goals for their respective systems.  

Pilium Audio Odysseus

The answer, as in all things in life, is it depends.

 

A no compromise integrated vs like seperates (especially if from the same manufacturer) will always have the built-in compromise of a shared power supply. It may or may not be audible to you, depending on design and how hard the gear is pushed.

 

The trade-off thats quite nice is reduction of boxes, cords and interconnects. The trade off thats not so nice is less flexibility for upgrades going forward as well as the potential for interference internally. Its really personal preference unless you are trying to squeeze out the last 5-10% of potential performance. I’ve been happy with terrific integrateds and I’m now happy with terrific separates.

No. One overlooked problem is heat will enter the preamp/phono/dac section.

At this point, the difference is so minimal as to be irrelevant.