Okay, here's my 81 IQ thoughts which while no definite answer might provoke a few 82+ IQ replies...
- One of the key considerations in handling digital signals is minimizing noise, often by getting the power supply far from the rest of the circuit. That's tougher, but not impossible to do, inside an integrated.
- DAC tech advances quickly, even if it sounds great today, if you're the type to want to upgrade your DAC in a couple of years, an integrated will likely not be your best fit.
- OTOH, if you keep gear a long while, eliminating multiple chassis and power supplies, perhaps you'll get more bang/buck w/integrated. You'll certainly save by having fewer cables, also avoiding all the angst of choosing/matching to the rest of the system.
So...it depends. There you go, clear as mud! Cheers,
Spencer