Are integrated amps technically better than separates?

Ditching the preamp may, but certainly is not, an assurance of superior sound. Soundstage and tonality may suffer without a preamp.

Please?
I'd like to hear any technical reasons you have for this statement, if the output/input impedance is fine between source and amp (which they usually are these days).
And the source has enough output to drive the amp to full power (which they usually have these days) even too much.

Cheers George

I have always preferred integrateds...just made sense to me. 
But my last two systems have been separates and no way I’m going back. 
Since we’re all being theoretical:
I think the signal is just too small and delicate coming into the preamp section. Any sins committed here are just going to be amplified (pun) downstream. 

My preamp has two very small transformers for dealing with the signal appropriately. The amp has 3 big transformers.

Yes you can shield like crazy, add extra dedicated transformers all in the same box. But just like separate phono preamps...and monoblocks there are so many ways you can do better when you can isolate some functions. 

I’m sure there are some integrateds that trounce some separates. Just like there are some stereo amps that outperform some monoblocks...but ‘that’s probably not the norm’ all thing being apples to apples.

...theoretically speaking.

But also, this is very brand specific. Not everyone uses large, boutique caps at all. 

I agree. However, I am of the impression that large, boutique caps are there for better sound quality. 

What about the Integra separates?  I want to have more of the “movie theater” sound and power so I have been debating getting a more powerful system.  Should I spend the $$ on separates or on a nice sub woofer?  

I don't remember where I read it but some amp designers actually think that the best thing is to have an integrated amp with a separate power supply. That is a two box solution but with different separation of what goes in which box.

Another solution could be four boxes, pre and power and then separate power supplies for each. It may be technically better but it is very expensive.