First of all, forget about Stereophile's recommended components. Glossy rags are basically just advertisements. They promote the products of those companies that pay them to promote their products.
Second, yes in the $1500 range (and much higher), integrated amps are the way to go, IMHO. It also saves you money on cables and power cords (don't ask).
Third, in regards to power, you have to understand that power is logarithmic function. It takes 10 times the power to double the sound pressure levels. That means that a 200 watt amp will play twice as loud as a 20 watt amp. In most rooms, at most levels, for most people, you will not need gobs of power for a speaker of 8 ohms and 91 dB sensitivity. In a small room you may even be happy with a 10-20 wpc amp. A larger room, or tastes for louder music may require 100 wpc or more. The larger the room, the more energy it will take to fill it.
An example: My room is 25 X 15 X 9, my speakers are rated at 90db and a 5 ohm load. My 85 wpc integrated amp plays plenty loud enough for me. Now I do not rock out at 100 dB+ levels, if you do, maybe you will need more power. I play it loud enough to drive the wife nuts though. ;^)
Cheers,
John
Second, yes in the $1500 range (and much higher), integrated amps are the way to go, IMHO. It also saves you money on cables and power cords (don't ask).
Third, in regards to power, you have to understand that power is logarithmic function. It takes 10 times the power to double the sound pressure levels. That means that a 200 watt amp will play twice as loud as a 20 watt amp. In most rooms, at most levels, for most people, you will not need gobs of power for a speaker of 8 ohms and 91 dB sensitivity. In a small room you may even be happy with a 10-20 wpc amp. A larger room, or tastes for louder music may require 100 wpc or more. The larger the room, the more energy it will take to fill it.
An example: My room is 25 X 15 X 9, my speakers are rated at 90db and a 5 ohm load. My 85 wpc integrated amp plays plenty loud enough for me. Now I do not rock out at 100 dB+ levels, if you do, maybe you will need more power. I play it loud enough to drive the wife nuts though. ;^)
Cheers,
John