I am on the integrated side of the fence, having changed from a costly pre/power combination to a Viva Solista 845 SET integrated and Lavardin IT for a change. There are clear advantages to both routes and I am sure for the ultimate sound a Pre and Monoblocks are the best product in most manufacturers lines. But I am not after the very best money can buy, with kids in college I can't afford it. There are disadvantages to a single chassis, ie proximity of output transformers to the low voltage Pre circuits, but to me the cost savings outweigh this. Logically spending the same amount on a pre/power and integrated, you ought to get more bang for your bucks with the integrated. Before anyone jumps down my throat, I know life is'nt as simple as that.