Integrated amp: Can it perform equal to separates?

Sunnyjim, what speakers will you be pairing this with?

Another option might be what was suggested. A power amp and a DAC direct to it. I have a PS Audio PW 2 and it sounds better slightly direct to amp than through my expensive preamp. I would think something like that would give you the biggest bang for the buck by far

Thanks to all who have responded so far to this thread. The comments were all very helpful, though, I am unfamiliar with a few brands.

The speakers are Acoustic Zen Adagios which I love, but they weigh 95 lbs boxed, and are very expensive to ship 2800 miles from Hawaii to any California destination. Therefore, I may have to buy a smaller speaker, IF I can one that gets close to the Adagios' performance. But I will have to cross that bridge later if I can't find a local buyer for the Adagios

As far as replacing my Rega Apollo with a player that has a volume control, and use it direct with a basic power amp, I am doubtful I can find a high end player with first, a volume control, and second, a volume control that is reasonably accurate, regardless of the smooth action and accuracy that the remote may offer.

If I were to get a PS Audio or Peachtree DAC etc, etc with a volume control. I have no guarantee that an outboarded DAC is going to make a big difference in the sound of the Rega Apollo. The good DACs also have computer audio features I am not interested in, so this plan might just be throwing money away for convenience,and marginal sound improvement. Pass, CJ, ARC, Boulder integrateds are out of my price range. I have seen a few "older" Bel Canto integrated amps with 150RMS without an inboard DAC or multiple inputs for computer audio. Again, I must weigh and consider the "issue" of performance parity using a 5 or 6 year old unit versus my current separates set-up.

I'd wait until you know how your speaker situation shakes out in California before choosing an integrated. Not that you're likely to make an amp choice you'd greatly regret, but you might choose differently depending upon which speakers you end up with.