Pros & Cons of Buying an Integrated with Built-in DAC?


I'm currently looking at integrateds. Ideally, I'd like the next one to be my last and I'm wondering whether I need to purchase one with an internal DAC to provide flexibility for computer audio should I be compelled to go that route in the future. Will today's DACs be outmoded 3 years from now? Am I better off waiting to buy a separate DAC until I really need one? I'm confused. Technology is speeding up and my middle aged brain is slowing down! 

stuartk
An integrated amp with a built-in D/A is the modern equivalent of a receiver and all the old pluses and minuses apply.  It's a single box as opposed to multiple boxes and requires only a single shelf space.  You don't need interconnects (or additional power cords).  No need to fret over mismatched gain or impedance matching.  A single remote control.  The downside is you can get better quality (at a higher price) with separate components.

Newer D/As will decode higher sampling rates of both PCM and DSD.  If you are downloading these hi-rez files, then get a recent model converter.  My experience is unless you go above $3k all D/As more or less sound the same, which is uniformly good.  My question to the OP is "do you have a reason not to go with an integrated solution?"
If there's no demand on higher power, the combination units similar to vintage receivers will work great depending on unit quality.
Many vintage receivers tuner/preamp/amp combos compete very well against modern full function integrated amps
I agree with ADG - get the best sounding integrated amp you can, and then add a separate DAC.

I've been using a Meridian 263, from about 1992, and it is still very good musically/sonically.  The downside is that it won't work with any newer formats, but since it was effectively free I don't really care. 

Good, inexpensive DACs are all around these days.  Don't limit yourself by trying to put everything in one box unless you really have to. 
Very happy with Hegel H80 in second system. In five years I will either sell it or buy an external DAC.  Easy either way.
If simplicity and convenience matter along with good sound, there are some very good choices available out there.

I bought a BelCanto C5i (true digital amp with DAC and phono) as an experiment to test the downsizing option in my second system and gotta say this unit is absolute top notch and competes well with separates.

60 w/ch is really its only limitation but if very high volumes out of less efficient speakers is not required, you are golden.