Separates or Integrated? What makes more sense?

It may be that the challenge with IA’s is finding one with a preamplification section as good as what can be had in a proportionally priced line stage. I’m told it is often the preamp in the IA that is the weak link and degrades the sound enough that what gains you get by losing a set of ICs is not recouped. I’ve heard this a number of times in conversations with designers/manufactures who I respect but of course who would probably rather sell their separates than IA’s in their lineup!

Millercarbon, what is it about the Raven Reflection MkII integrated amp you like so well above others in it's price range? It is sharp looking and made in America, but what else in terms of audio performance strikes your fancy? 

Mike

Tough choice. Separates do add more to go "wrong" in a system. Cables etc. Plus routing etc. There is something to be said for a solid integrated. As others have said, it really would boil down to preference and space requirements. Personally, it would most likely be integrated for me (is currently) but at that price point probably a two channel amp and fully featured Pre. I do have space issues, so it is what it is. 

Yes it depends on who builds it.  I have a completely rebuilt from the ground up Heathkit integrated.  It was built by Sam Kim and with the right speakers it's magic.  It also has a great MC phono section.

Too many compromises with integrated amps. I’ve had a few really good integrated amps and when I compared the sq of their integrated to the same manufacturer’s separates, the integrated amp fell short.
I had a nice Hegel H300 integrated that worked nicely with my Usher mini dancer II speakers. When I upgraded to the larger usher’s, I needed more power so the integrated was useless. I sold it and got separates, the new amp is the same wattage as the Hegel but has more power to control the larger speakers. If I decide to get different speakers in the future that demand yet more power, I would just replace the amp and keep my preamp