seems like for the most part, people feel that while integrated amps have improved considerably in recent years, separates remain the better overall solution for reasons like being able to upgrade single elements in the future without having to swap out the whole thing, but at the cost of more cabling to purchase and more space needed for all the boxes.
i didn't really come in thinking there was a definite answer, i just wanted gauge if there was a general feeling one way or the other and seems that "it depends" is the answer, due to too many variable to rule out. the truth is i'm sure i'll enjoy whatever i end up doing down the line, as any sort of upgrade will still sound like an upgrade, and i'll never know what i'm missing in the gear i didn't go with. i appreciate everyone weighing in with their thoughts and experience though. and obviosly with specifics they've tried and did or did not care for. there are so many options it would be impossible to try all or even very many of them.
when i was shopping for speakers a few years back i had to just read and read and read and narrow it down to 4 or 5 options that i could check out locally, and rule out anything that wasn't available locally, so i'll never know if i might have liked one of those better that didn't have a local dealer, and not knowing is probably for the best, since i love what i ended up with. i just prefer to come to a place like this to solicit info vs a shop who is trying to sell me on what they carry, or a magazine that just loves everything they write about.
