I learned long ago just how hard it is for separates to match the performance of a good integrated. Of course no one can say for sure without doing a lot of comparisons, but I would bet money no one can do it. Not without spending a whole lot more money.
The problem is two fold. One is, for any component, a big chunk of the design budget goes into the chassis and face plate. This represents a huge cost savings the integrated designer can then afford to spend on higher quality parts. Separates have no way of ever really making up for this big disadvantage.
The other problem is separates require an interconnect and at least one extra power cord. This again is mega. Especially at the $10k level, the interconnect alone commensurate with this quality level is a good $3k all by itself. No way on Earth anyone spends $3k on an interconnect, and then with the remaining $6k buys a preamp and amp. I mean you can do it. Sure. But you will have spent your $10k, and it will sound almost as good as if you had bought the Raven Osprey for $5k less.
But of course you wouldn't do that. What you would do is take the $5k and buy really good power cords, fuse, and whatever are your tweaks of preference, still have a couple grand left over, and be so far ahead of separates its silly.
That's what I did 20+ years ago. Compared. It wasn't even close. Guys love their separates, I know. They have their advantages. Or so they say at any rate. Among them however is one notably missing: sound quality.
