I would also vote for separates for many of the reasons mentioned above. And yes you will need an extra set of interconnects but isn't that half the fun?! As a recently recovered cable addict I assure you it is fun! Also if you start out SS and want to try tubes or vice versa you can change gradually. I can almost assure you that at some point down the road you will get antsy to change something. Good luck!
Separates or Integrated? What makes more sense?
If you had $10,000 to spend on amplification, would you put all that money and get a really great and pricey integrated amp like a Pass or Luxman. Or, would you use that 10k to buy a really great preamp and amp combo. Apart from the convenience and space consideration, hypothetically how would you choose to spend that 10k if sound was your main criterion.
J
J