Downsized and still happy, can it happen?

I considered an integrated amp at one time & have noticed that some seasoned audiophiles that have reached the end of the road, do this as a final solution to the madness that comes with this hobby. I personally feel that a integrated amp restricts your ability to pair different products together (other than CD players & tuners) unless it has main ins & preamps outs. But if you feel compelled to use these inputs & outputs then you might as well have gone with separates. If you do decide to go in this direction (integrated) I wouldn't rush into selling your separates before knowing this can result in a long term, satisifying experience.

The Rowland integrated and actually the Tact M2150 integrated could fit about 80% of my needs. I was amazed by the Tact since it only requires a transport because of the built in DAC amp essentially. But then again I like chasing the merry go round of this hobby... so off I go again to spend 5x the integrated on a pair of monoblocks and all the complexities of powercords, interconnects, and power filtering .....

I used to run the Krell HTS Pre/Pro into a Krell KAV-1500 5 channel amp. Since I live in a small NYC apartment, I decided that it was just too much stuff so I downsized to the McIntosh MHT-200. Between selling offf the equipment and all the expensive interconnects and extra powercord, I walked away with cash and more space. No buyers regret whatsoever. Best move I ever made for HT.

However, my issue now is HT or 2-channel for music. I recently (a day ago) installed 2 McIntosh MC275s to drive the L+R channels for music. I had always wanted to try tubes and I had an opportunity to get these 2 at such a goodd price, I couldn't pass it up.

If I had to sell off everything and go into a 2-channel integrated, I would go for a VAC Super Avatar. I would miss the glow of thte tubes and the lit glass panel of the Mac though!