user poll on seperates vs integrated

I have been there and done that…as in separates (Audio Research Ref 1 and Pass Labs X-250) to integrated (Gold Note IS 1000 Deluxe). Obviously, this is a cost step down for me, but, all things considered, I am extremely happy with my current system and very appreciative of the functionality and sleekness afforded by the “one box” solution.

At that price (10,000) I’d recommend integrated, but separates and monoblocks are far superior. But not possible unless you go 5 times over that budget, you’ll get incredible sound out of a top 10k integrated.

Although I have had separate over the years, with a tube P.A.,I find that my I.A. is a good match with my speakers. I don't believe anything is missing. 

Separates have greater flexibility if swapping P.A's is desired,  but there are many well designed I.A's that perform equally as well. There are lots of choices and price bracket to pick from.

Either has its advantages and disadvantages. Those have been well-listed by many posters here. If you are talking about sound quality alone, Integrated amps have narrowed the gap between them and separates. The high end ones are quite good and should not be dismissed. In the $10K range, The Absolute Sound recommends the following:

Bel Canto EIX $8500

Aesthetix Mimas  $9000

BAT VK80i  $9995

Technics SU-R1000 $9999

I’d also say it depends on the level of integrated you are looking at.

I agree, there are many truly high-end integrated amps to choose from. I went from separates to a Diablo 300. The new Diablo 333 will probably be even better.