Separates vs. Integrated

I wanted ease of use so i went with a tube integrated that had a optional phono board (which i later sold). There are lots of really good integrated amps out there, Rogue, Manley, Cary, Cayin, Primaluna and much much more. It is just like a receiver but no tuner so if you want radio it does add an extra component.

As for vinyl don't cheap on it, look to spend at least $800 for TT, cartridge and phono amp. You may get lucky and score a good used rig ( i got a decent Pro-ject Xpressions, speed control, cart and phono amp for $300 used) since upgraded.

So look for a good used Int amp for around $1000-$1300 and spend the rest on Vinyl.

In general integrateds are built to a higher standard than receivers, which are aimed at a different market. I have both an integrated and several separates, ones from good companies can equal the performance of seperates in their price range. The Krell 300i would be at the top of your range used and is a good example. Musical Fidelity, Blue Circle, Exposure and several others would fit into your budget. Remember you save the cost and trouble of one pair of ICs with integrateds and there are no matching problems.

Start with picking out a speaker and then work your way backwards. Many threads on system building with similar thrusts. The speaker-room match and the speaker to amp match are most critical variables to get right. Frim there, working backwards to choose pre-amp and sources allows you to fine tune the basic sound dictated by how the speaker will sound in your room and within that context how the speaker will sound being driven by the amp (either separate power or integrated)that you choose. My 2 cents worth.