user poll on seperates vs integrated

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.

To put it more plainly, would you likely get better overall results from a $5000 preamp and $5000 amp, or from a $10,000 integrated, given the likely quality/components used in equipment in those price ranges.

@chrisryanhorner 

You cannot compare using your example because:

1) You'd automatically expect you'd get higher performance from better parts in the integrated because it's casework is costs is less than 2+ caseworks of a pre+amp(s)

2) The comparison isn't reality - it likely doesn't exist.  For your example to work, all the components must be from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, it's not apples to apples.  

A better way is to look at this is:

1) Is the flexibility in planning for future preamp, amp changes/upgrades important to you?

2) If so, do you prefer a higher sonics of a integrate or the flexibility of separate components?  While you may be able to find both, it's usually a tradeoff and thus a personal preference

3) If not, then likely best to stick with an integrated. Check Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and others reviews.  Forum suggestions for a 10k integrated also helpful.

FYI - the Aesthetix Mimas integrated has great (excellent for the $) optional phono and DAC cards reviews.  Also, this integrated can be used as a preamp only (Aesthetix has great reputation for their preamps) if you want to try a different amp later.