Diving into the world of tubes...help needed!

Hello Atmasphere,
You make a compelling case for the advantages of separate audio components. Does one have to reach a certain price point for this advantage to manifest?

Some advocates of integrated amplifiers would say the signal path is shorter/simpler and that the preamplifier and power amplifier sections are ideally suited to each other (And an interconnect and power cable are eliminated). There are very reasonable arguments to be made for either approach.

I’m thoroughly happy with my tube separates based system but I could see someone making the case for example, a Gryphon or say a Virus integrated amplifier. Or saying that at the lower cost point the spectrum it’s difficult for  separates to compete on a value/performance basis. I would imagine that a number of audiophiles face this dilemma when shopping for audio components.
Charles

Some advocates of integrated amplifiers would say the signal path is shorter/simpler and that the preamplifier and power amplifier sections are ideally suited to each other (And an interconnect and power cable are eliminated). There are very reasonable arguments to be made for either approach.

Price is certainly an issue! And I agree that signal path is important. I make exactly the same point with our preamps- having the phono section built-in eliminates the connectivity issue that otherwise can introduce coloration.

One thing about separates is you have to pay for more chassis. The chassis and usually the power supply are the most expensive part of any preamp or amplifier so having separates and having them somehow be really inexpensive either isn't a thing, or a thing that might not be practical. We're seeing a lot of very inexpensive Chinese separates on the market right now; they look nice but unless properly vetted a lot of them have inferior parts which are problematic down the road.

If you simply don't have room or the budget integrated equipment makes a lot of sense. Like anything else (tube, solid state, class A, class D etc) execution plays a huge role.

FYI: PrimaLuna: i was thinking of buying one of their integrated amps and called them because my speakers have sensitivity of only 83db. A person answered the phone and they were very friendly and helpful.

@berner99 Glad to hear.  One thing that really draws me to the PrimaLuna is the bad tube indicators.  I still think I'll go with the Vincent in the end though.  The only way I can audition a PrimaLuna is to buy one and then if I don't like it a 5% restocking fee would be charged.

Take a look at Rogue, had Primaluna Dialogue HP iintegrated and their straight non HP integrated. Sold them and bought a Rogue HP-1 Pre and a Atlas Magnum I sent both of them to Nick at Rogue, had the amp upgraded to a Magnum II and the Pre they checked out thoroughly, gave it a bill of good health and frankly, I think the sound is superior.
Additionally Rogue does it all in the US and I found their customer service to be unmatched! Actually spectacular more covers it!