user poll on seperates vs integrated

Both Luxman and Accuphase make outstanding integrated amps, and I have used the following in my 2 systems:

Luxman L-509u, L-595A

Accuphase E-260, E-380.

I especially like the Luxman L-595A pure class A integrated - 30W into 8 ohms, 60W into 4 ohms.

I recently upgraded my main speakers to the Verity Audio Arindal (the successor to the Amadis S) driven by the L-595A integrated.  The speakers are sensitive at 93 db and do not dip below 3 ohms.  

But I wonder if separates would be a significant improvement in my situation?  Both Accuphase and Luxman make separates that are a significantly greater investment than their integrateds and with specs that are incredible.  For example the smallest Accuphase class A amp the A-48 is a heavy beast that delivers 45W into 8 ohms, 90 into 4 ohms, 180W into 2 ohms and 360W into 1 ohm.  Impressive, but given that my speakers don't require the power, would there be any benefit to going down this route?

I think a lot has to do with the type of preamp that the integrated unit is using.

I agree with someone above who said you need to compare the amps within the same brand for this to make any sense. In my opinion, a $10k integrated amp would probably sound better than a $5k amp and $5k preamp, assuming they were all the same brand. The big caveat is if you play vinyl… the included phono stage on an integrated is likely not as good as one included in a preamp, although it’s possible, I suppose.

There are way too many variables if you compare across brands.

I have owned many integrated amplifiers that were purported to be among the finest around.  Honestly, I was unimpressed.

The sound stage and imaging was very average at best, instrument timbre was just OK.  When I upgraded to separates, the ROI was well worth the spend.  Just one guys experience.

Right tool for the job.  If you have the space and perhaps are trying to connect a lot of components, separates may be the way to go.  If you're trying to wring that last 1 or 2 percent of sound quality out of your system, separates may be the way to go.

If space is limited, a well made integrated can work great and sound just as good, or so close that it wouldn't be noticeable, as separate components from the same brand.  You should also get more bang for your buck, since with an integrated you're only paying for the engineering and manufacturing of one enclosure. 

One of my friends has long used an integrated in his system, and it is by far one of the best sounding systems I've heard.  It's relatively modest, but what makes his system so good is his room and the care he has taken matching and setting up his components, not the amp/preamp.

I have 2 systems built around integrated amps and two built around separates.  I like them all.  The main system sounds best and it is build around separates, but again, that is more a result of maximizing my listening space and having good source components and speakers than whether my system is built around an integrated amp/preamp or an integrated. 

It all matters, but that choice should be made based more on space, budget, and aesthetics than sound quality in my opinion.