Integrated tube amp vs Tube amp?

Sharing my history I moved on from a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II into a foray of separates- 

(2) rogue audio tube preamps, rogue audio, parasound and pass power amps, cary audio tube preamps.  

truth be told I miss the sound of the Cronus Magnum integrated.  The only thing it was ultimately missing is that last ounce of speed and dynamics compared to my current tube preamp / solid state amp.  But the overall sound was often simply gorgeous, something hard to find regardless of your system.  

truth be told I miss the sound of the Cronus Magnum integrated.  The only thing it was ultimately missing is that last ounce of speed and dynamics compared to my current tube preamp / solid state amp.  But the overall sound was often simply gorgeous, something hard to find regardless of your system.  

From what I've heard from the modern Rogue separate preamps, they'll give you exactly that speed and dynamics, but not really any lush beauty. Other preamps can do that, though. You have more options for amazing sound with different separate combinations, but it's also true that it's a lot more money AND there's more opportunity for missteps / bad combinations. 

@mulveling 

i agree completely but with a cary audio SLP-05 and a Pass XA25 I still miss the sound of the Cronus Magnum II.  I have class A solid state quickness but missing whatever the CM II tube amp did.  And the stereo 100 was not "it".  Too dark.  I liked the polished neutrality of the CM II.  

the main thing is to get a balance - you already have lamps ... when there are too many - it can be bad ... anyway - the only way is to try different devices in your system

Separates are usually better in the long run but you need to be practical too (e.g. space, upgrade possibilities years down the road).... You also need to know how to pair them properly...  

I prefer integrated tube (Rogers 65V-1) due to its simplicity.