user poll on seperates vs integrated

willywonka: thanks for the reply.

regarding synergy vs flexibility, do you think there are real benefits of using an entire system from a single company, since the units were likely all designed with each other in mind, as opposed to picking and choosing a preamp from one place, a power amp from another, etc? 

i ask because i know that nordost, for example, explicitly states that their products positive qualities are enhanced by being used as a complete set, sort of a "more than the sum of its parts" thing, which i think they refer to as a "loom"? 

I don't know how much of that is marketing to get you to buy their gear vs verifiably accurate, and if the same goes for other components.

With integrated a lot depends on the manufacture. Some manufactures make great amps paired with so  so pre amps integrated together. I have found this true in many cases by using an external pre amp and bypassing the integrated pre amp, case in point are Line Magnetic integrated's.

With separates you can taylor the sound that you are after. What might seem like a mismatch might put you in audio heaven.

I’ve also pretty much always used separates and tubed ones at that. That said there are some fantastic integrateds out there these days. My dealer carries some from Synthesis in Italy that sound great and are solid values as well. If you do go the integrated route try to get a unit that has pre-outs that way you can always try a separate power amp down the road.

....wondering what specifically about speaker choice would make you lean towards either separates or integrated?  for reference, i use focal kanta 3 speakers.

The Kanta 3 in a proper room certainly deserves the best. What specifically about speaker choice? Your commitment to getting the best out of what you have without compromise. I would feed those with what I used. Cary SLP98 and a Parasound A21+. Next step after that would be tube mono-blocks.

russ69: thanks, i'll certainly look into Cary.  at the moment i'm running the Parasound phono into the Rogue Cronus Magum 3 integrated.  i wouldn't necessarily say i have complaints, but down the road if i'm looking to step up, i was just curious what direction made the most sense.  I got a terrific deal on the kantas and am gradually upgrading the rest of the system to catch up with them.