Separates or Integrated? What makes more sense?

Hello, my issue is if tech changes you are back to square one. Second, you are sharing one power supply with both in an integrated amp. More power is better. Third, you may get things you do not need but still pay for: phono preamp, DAC, and tuner. one Note, separates require an interconnect between the amp and the preamp which might add to the cost. Another option is Hegel H90. Some one will sell you one for $10,000. It has an incredible DAC and 380 W per channel. 

I would also vote for separates for many of the reasons mentioned above. And yes you will need an extra set of interconnects but isn't that half the fun?! As a recently recovered cable addict I assure you it is fun! Also if you start out SS and want to try tubes or vice versa you can change gradually. I can almost assure you that at some point down the road you will get antsy to change something. Good luck!

really that's a speaker efficiency and room size question more then which is better.

 I agree that if you need power for in-efficient speakers the separates are the way to go. 

 If you have high efficiency speakers then I feel its less important and a good low power tube or class A integrated can sound as good or at times better then the separates.  

I've run into the too much gain problem with high efficiency speakers and see Nelson Pass's concern in no usable volume range. so matching amp-speakers is a huge part of the process to good sound. 

matching your preamp to an amp is also important to consider, gain, input-output impedances, etc. this area may be overlooked, the integrated can win easily if the pre-power amp is not matched right correctly. 

glen

An addendum to what I said above:  what is your strategy here?  Mine was to simplify and reduce the clutter, the number of boxes, etc., without compromising the joy I get from playing music in my home.  I have zero regrets going to integrated with two of my systems (a Luxman top integrated, SS, and a Lyric integrated, KT150-based).  I LOVE the sounds from each system.  BUT, I am not one to sit and study, focus, squint, try to hear small differences; instead I am one to revel in the music, and have found that moving/adjusting speakers has a huge influence/effect, vs any effect from a different front-end.  But, that's just me.  

I can speak to the Raven Reflection MK2 integrated amp as I owned one for 3 years.  Is it better than Luxman or Pass or Separates?  One can only debate and 10 people would have 10 different answers.  It also depends on the speakers, cabling, DAC etc.

The Reflection sound combined with my Sonus Faber Amati  Homage Tradition speakers was just outstanding.  Clear, concise, very open, excellent bass, quiet to start.  I had KT 150 power tubes so I amped up the WPC.  I like to listen at low levels and be able to hear the twang of a guitar or cymbal.  I also like to occasionally play at 50% max power.  My house shook.  

Dave Thomson is the owner and he has some of the best tubes in the world.  He has been collecting tubes for years.  As a result, it is easy to tube swap.  His customer service is outstanding.  

Lastly, it really is a show piece.  If I was going to go with an integrated, I would definitely buy a Raven again.