Separates vs Integrated

If the Separates Amplification System already in use is not satisfying your needs in the way the end sound being produced is able to be enjoyed. Especially if there is  something that is detectable and noticeable for being missing. Which through previous mails comments made in this Thread, I suspect there is something not quite to your unique preference. It does seem the idea of making a change is going to come to the forefront.

If the Pre' and Power Amp's are to be let go, the realistic remuneration will be approx' $11K, if the Used Sale Items go through smoothly.

Where are the advantages to be found from using a particular design for an  Integrated Amp. Firstly the Amps Schematic and Topology 'can be' one that is produced to take full advantage of the merits associated with a substantially shortened Signal Path.

Taking the Cheap Chassis Mounted Umbilical Connectors away from the Signal Path, or even the taking out of the Signal Path, the much more expensive types of Chassis Mounted Umbilical Connectors, undoubtedly has benefits for the Signal when being transferred through the Audio System have Voltage Gain added.

What is lost by removing Chassis Mounted Connectors between Amps is basically choice.

By the removal of Chassis Mounted Connectors, the Individuals Option of being able to make changes to the interface the Signal Path is dependent on is removed. The exchanges of Wire Types / Cable Construction Methods, usually seen under discussion are no longer readily available, neither is the option to Spend Monies to whatever budget can be allocated to infill the Signal Path between the Pre > Power Amplifiers Chassis Mounted Connectors.

The user of the Integrated Amplifier, when placed into the segment of Amp Usage that is limited to being an enthusiast for replaying recorded music through the use of  Audio Equipment, results in Trust needing to be put in place for the Designers choice made for the interface between Pre > Power section within the Integrated Amp. 

The Link will introduce the Sales Spiel and offer a description of a Design Intent for an Integrated Amplifier that is professing to have the Shortest of Signal Path as the utmost importance for the design.  

This Amp is relatively new to the Market, and as used Integrated Amplifier Purchase is approx' $18K. The predecessor design can be found for approx' $8K.

It is worth a read to reinforce where the merits of selecting an Integrated Amplifier  can be found.

FWIW, my retirement Amplifier will no longer be Valve Amplification, the new Amp to be used, will be a SS Design, that is to be a Commission Built model of a commonly seen DIY Build Kit Amp. The likelihood will be a Pre Amp will be built into the same Chassis as the Power Amp.      

https://gryphon-audio.dk/the-collection/integrated-amplifiers/diablo-333/

In my earlier system I went all the way up the Naim amplifier chain to the NAP 500DR and  the 552DR together with the 101 tuner. Between them they took up a helluva lot of rack space and with the separate power supplies a helluva lot of cables.

A chance discussion at Munich some years ago motivated me to try a Vitus SIA 025, despite my doubts about its power output. The Vitus sound quality was significantly better and the power output was entirely adequate..The decluttering benefits and cable demands  were very welcome.

A couple of years ago I upgraded to the Vitus SIA 030 which is even better though obviously more expensive.

I have not heard the integrated Vitus Reference series in my home,but only at demos and they too are very good, but not as good as the Signature series I have or had, which reflects their lower price. Here in the UK the Vitus integrated amps hold their value well which is a big plus. Depreciation can be very costly when you come to upgrade.

Vitus do have their separate pre and power amps, but I am entirely happy with my integrated 030.

Integrated amps have the advantage of being “integrated” by experts ( you would expect). Whereas you have to integrate separates. That provides flexibility but the flip side is there are more possible outcomes that are not all equal.

I am not an expert. With separates it took some trial and error to end up at a better place.

Integrated amp technology has come a long way. Definitely the lower risk option.

@jsalerno277  awesome you are in the Burmester club, its awesome gear and imo will run with the best of them