David I'd judge the choices based purely on sound quality. The Line Magnetic 508ia for example is an integrated amplifier that by all accounts outperforms many stand alone power amplifiers. Also I believe that the preamp section can be bypassed if so desired. It seems the 508ia has a good pre section that responds to tube upgrading. Waltersalas can certainly address this aspect.
A high quality integrated can be built with better parts and transformers than some power amplifiers, it all depends.
Charles
A high quality integrated can be built with better parts and transformers than some power amplifiers, it all depends.
Charles