Is simpler better?

I think you definitely have the right idea with that!

For me, a preamplifier is vital. Not only does it serve as my "switch" for different sources (analog vs. digital sources) but it provides a small amount of gain and, aside from the speakers, does the most to define the sound of the system. The wrong pre can make your system sound flat or thin or too chunky. 

While I agree at more cable is the enemy I think that in every situation trade offs must be made. For me, Monoblocks amplifiers allow me to have very short runs of speaker cable, only about 3 feet. I'm willing to have longer interconnects as my experience has shown longer interconnect where the signal is low gain, does less damage to the sound than long speaker cables where the signal is highly amplified. The interconnects between my other comments are very short. 

I'd also encourage you to think about the fact that while sure, the wire connecting one component to another light be longer than one on the inside of an integrated or more complex component, it's almost always better shielded and of higher quality wire.

Food for thought. 

Nelson Pass, and Steve Deckert have inspired me to go down the road of elegant simplicity. Good source, quality, straightforward, connections, well designed minimalist amplifiers, and even simple speakers, baffleless, no crossover Lii audio F15‘s. it has all yielded excellent sound. Thank you to them, and all of you who buck the trend toward complication and voodoo componentry.

It prob depends on what level of simple you get. My system is very simple but sounds incredible. Happy listening !

After 50 year of all separates,  I bought my first integrated amp. The Hegel H390, has a DAC and a streamer in it as well as Bluetooth and Airplay 2. I was very pleased with the sound, But I ended up adding an external streamer and DAC within a few months.  All in all, I still have 2 fewer pieces in my system and am very happy with the sound.

All the best.