After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?

I went the opposite route.  I actually started with an integrated system.  Some cheap Japanese junk by Hitachi back in the 80s.  I then got into surround sound and my music playback was via a series of surround sound receivers.  My first "serious" integrated system was a Peachtree Nova 150.  

I moved to separates because I was unable to source an integrated that I could afford/live with, that featured bass management. I have perennially faced space constraints which dictated bookshelf speakers with understandably limited capacity for bass reproduction. 

Although I eventually managed to upgrade my living space and now use Canton floor standers for my main system, I still use separates because I like the flexibility when upgradeitis strikes.  In my bedroom system I use Kef LS50s driven by separates which allows me to channel the signal through a subwoofer with a highpass filter that reduces the load on the little Kefs. 

I"m fully cognizant that there are other means of accomplishing this, but there is a limit to how "separate" I want to get! :-)

Last August 2021 I made the decision to scale back. I wanted a simple system consisting of an integrated amplifier and good CD player. I had an Oppo BDP105D > Ayre Cx-7emp player > Ayre K-5xeMP Preamp > Mark Levinson no.334 > Totem Forest Signature Speakers. I also had a classic Anthem I225 Integrated that pulled duty on occasion.

I selected the Naim Supernait 3 and their CD5si. Then I discovered that the CD5si was an entry level component. As a result I kept the Oppo BDP105D and purchased a Supernait 3. Then a Naim nDAC along and their Super Lumina DIN5-5. Thinking I was satisfied I jammed until March 2022. Then after hearing what the 3 piece system could provide I wanted more. I purchased a Teddy Pardo XPS and their TeddyCap SE. The Teddy XSP came with a free prototype power cable. So far it’s pulling it’s own weight.

Summation: I started with a 5 piece system and I'm now back to a 5 piece system. However I’ve gotta give it to Naim, their kit sounds amazing. The Teddy Pardo power products are quiet good as well. Better than Naim’s? Dunno but I really like Naim’s Integrated amp. 80 Naim watts/400VA transformer!

N

NEVER!!

I like the idea of an integrated...but hard to biamp...

I also own an Ayre AX-5/20. It replaced more expensive separates (Modwright KWA 150 SE and Cary Slp-05 pre) and sounds vastly better imho and takes up a lot less space.

Good high end companies seem to be investing a lot of R&D into integrateds these days.There are a lot of good ones in the price range we are discussing.