Separates or Integrated? What makes more sense?

I learned long ago just how hard it is for separates to match the performance of a good integrated. Of course no one can say for sure without doing a lot of comparisons, but I would bet money no one can do it. Not without spending a whole lot more money. 

The problem is two fold. One is, for any component, a big chunk of the design budget goes into the chassis and face plate. This represents a huge cost savings the integrated designer can then afford to spend on higher quality parts. Separates have no way of ever really making up for this big disadvantage. 

The other problem is separates require an interconnect and at least one extra power cord. This again is mega. Especially at the $10k level, the interconnect alone commensurate with this quality level is a good $3k all by itself. No way on Earth anyone spends $3k on an interconnect, and then with the remaining $6k buys a preamp and amp. I mean you can do it. Sure. But you will have spent your $10k, and it will sound almost as good as if you had bought the Raven Osprey for $5k less. 

But of course you wouldn't do that. What you would do is take the $5k and buy really good power cords, fuse, and whatever are your tweaks of preference, still have a couple grand left over, and be so far ahead of separates its silly.

That's what I did 20+ years ago. Compared. It wasn't even close. Guys love their separates, I know. They have their advantages. Or so they say at any rate. Among them however is one notably missing: sound quality.

Hard to make recommendations without knowing your speakers but if they are reasonably efficient, the Don Sachs 6SN7 preamp and KT88 amp for around $6K combined is an incredible value. Spend the extra $4K on music.

They both make equal sense.

<10000$ integrated for sure.
 >$15000 (and if you are an experienced audiophile, and esp if you are going for tubes) then separates. 
There are too few tube integrated choices in the higher end price point. With separates you can do the tube preamp/SS amp combo.

Hi,

Happy owner of the last new 507ux in the US here. :)

Luxman really did put in a top preamp and amp in the combo. Many brands say they do, and then it is still a step down. Not true with the Luxmans.

The only reason in my mind for separates in the Luxman is power/current needs. If you have hard to drive speakers and must have the extra large power supply.

I would go with the Luxman integrated.  I would listen, take a look-see, and then buy.  

No, I would not get one like Pass or Luxman. Come on. Get serious. That kind of money, I would get something good. Which coincidentally is just what I been working on. Which also coincidentally was exactly $10k, but I notice just now they raised it to $10,995. Whatever. This absolutely positively cannot be beat with any combination of separates without spending a lot more. Which is why I will be getting it.  Some day....

Behold. The Raven Reflection MkII https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/reflection-mk2/

hypothetically how would you choose to spend that 10k if sound was your main criterion. 

There is no hypothetically with me, not where sound is concerned. Sound quality is always my main criterion, and that means getting the most for my money, and that means getting an integrated. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367Man that Reflection is gonna look even sweeter than the Melody.

I guess the question I have is if a 5k amp and 5k preamp going to sound appreciably better than a integrated which cost 10k?  The ability to build my own amplification combo by mixing and matching is attractive.  On the other hand, good IA have an inbuilt compatibility.  Are Integrateds overpriced because of all the extra engineering and design, and is this compromise affect the sound.  

Everyone will choose differently. You have many choices for that price including many top notch sounding integrated amps available these days.  You might not appreciate the ease of an integrated currently but may become a bonus someday. 

Given space is not a constraint, at that price point, I would opt for separates. That would provide for flexibility down the road regarding system placement and changes one might wish to make.

There is no wrong way to go, it simply a matter of personal taste. It's also a choice of greater flexibility with seperates or a single box solution.  I have had both setups over the years, but now have a IA with no plans of going back to separates.

My IA is a Viva Solistino,  having avoided tube amp for years, it was my speaker's that prompted me to consider making the move to tubes. I re searched various tube IA for abouts eight months...before deciding on the Viva. 

Good luck in your  search!