Integrated amp: Can it perform equal to separates?

Thanks to all who have responded so far to this thread. The comments were all very helpful, though, I am unfamiliar with a few brands.

The speakers are Acoustic Zen Adagios which I love, but they weigh 95 lbs boxed, and are very expensive to ship 2800 miles from Hawaii to any California destination. Therefore, I may have to buy a smaller speaker, IF I can one that gets close to the Adagios' performance. But I will have to cross that bridge later if I can't find a local buyer for the Adagios

As far as replacing my Rega Apollo with a player that has a volume control, and use it direct with a basic power amp, I am doubtful I can find a high end player with first, a volume control, and second, a volume control that is reasonably accurate, regardless of the smooth action and accuracy that the remote may offer.

If I were to get a PS Audio or Peachtree DAC etc, etc with a volume control. I have no guarantee that an outboarded DAC is going to make a big difference in the sound of the Rega Apollo. The good DACs also have computer audio features I am not interested in, so this plan might just be throwing money away for convenience,and marginal sound improvement. Pass, CJ, ARC, Boulder integrateds are out of my price range. I have seen a few "older" Bel Canto integrated amps with 150RMS without an inboard DAC or multiple inputs for computer audio. Again, I must weigh and consider the "issue" of performance parity using a 5 or 6 year old unit versus my current separates set-up.

Thank you to all have responded. Your suggestions were helpful. I wish I could answer each one individualy. Nevertheless, Thanks!!

TO Timrhu, Thank you for your response. I agree with you, BC PRe3 is the best pre-amp I have ever owned. It really would not cost much much to ship to California. I just would like to have less boxes; I downsized before, but did not get the same quality of sound larger system I sold. The main shipping expense will be the Adagios which weigh 90 lbs each and are big. I bought them used from a guy who lived in Wisconsin and it cost $525.00 to ship to Honolulu. The turntable should be easy to sell and my phono pre-amp. Are the BC eVo2i and Unison Unico SE integrated amps. I think the Unison is. I really want to get a better amp than the Red Dragon mono blocks, and just have one box. They are good amps, but again too many boxes.

******* The islands are great, but for me they got old very fast. It is great to see college age ladies walking down the street in bikinis, but I love Southern California.

Timrhu, I considered the REF 500S and the REF 500 mono blocks, but decided on the Red Dragon blocks. The BC 300S stereo amp comes up occasionally for sale on AG. I am just curious if the BC integrated 300i,(there were two versions: one has a toslink, the other USB input) is close in performance to PRe3 pre-amp and REF 500S combo. They came out approx the same time give and take a year. The 300i is 150RMS and got very good reviews. There are always some tradeoffs in these these items.

TO ROGERCR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOMMENDATION OF THE VAN ALSTINE integrated amp. Did you ever have the opportunity of listening to one using CD's. Van Alstine's products are mainly mail order but do offer a 30 day home trial. That's great but I don't want to tie up $1800, especially if I don't like it and want to return he item for a full refund.

I am sure it is a great sounding unit, surely VA claims it will outperform any other integrated on the market. However, I have been down that road of extraordinary claims before. I will be happy if it is as good as what I have now. The convenience of an integrated amp is very appealing, especially if you have an aging back. Again, thank for the recommendation