if the topic remains about INTs under 3K or a mite higher, i’ve always opted for HT receivers sheerly for versatility with connectivity and processing digital info.
there is becoming a strong argument for uber expensive INTS though.
there are plenty of debates on INTs vs one another too.
the idea separates out run INTs is fast becoming invalid given some of these new ‘Statement’’ INTs, ranging from 30K to more than 140K!! ala Vitas new 030, and the VAC statement INT, to name a couple.
look into eastern Europe and there are more interesting INTs coming onto the market.
the main theme for the invested audio nut is still gonna be the baking of the ‘cake’ using the mix and match lets see what will happen with this preamp and that amp, and or when differing toopologies are mated, tube pre SS amp, etc.
that is the mystique or curiosity factor which seems to keep pushing this AN along. past EXP as well says until you get well into the multiple Thousands of bucks separates do seem to rule given the mix and match approach.
but then that mixing and matching adventure can be quite taxing, after a while, depending on how pedantic aor how deep his or her pockets devotee may be.
the main interest for me in a rig whose heart is an INT could be as:
a starter system
a secondary outfit.
an I’m thru messing around I’ll just go all in and nab one of these 25K to 50K retail INTs and kick back!
albeit, there is a strong attraction to see how things work together when designs are completely different… or all the same.
if this is a life long hobby, it should be all about the journey, not the destination, shouldn’t it?
I suppose destination gear is for those who have at some point decided to quit this past time.