price point to move to separates vs integrated

I really don’t understand why this "integrated vs. separates" thing seems to be such a conundrum. First, unless we're comparing amplifiers of similar price, of what use is it to talk about additional chassis, power supplies, transformers, etc. Cost not being a factor, enhanced isolation will always provide an advantage; no one will debate that. But, in application, those advantages are very costly and seldom cost effective, IMO. When we equalize total cost (this includes interconnects, power cords and shelving) of moving from an integrated to separates or monoblocks, seriously compromised parts quality is the tradeoff.

I have been using integrated amps for years, some of the best, Viva, Lavardin, Karan and currently, a Pathos Inpol2 and Ayon Spark. I agree with all the comments suggesting integrated amps have come a long way in the last few years and can go toe to toe with much more expensive separates. Then I made the mistake of a prolonged listen to an ARC reference 75 power amp at a recent show.....big mistake. Now I have to work out how to fit a big power amp and pre, on my packed shelves, planned around an integrated amp.

Many good points made already. Hi end integrated amps are tough to beat. Areas to go one over the other is flexibility and features, which differ from brand to brand. The biggest reason goes beyond the hearing and the cost, but the heart. What would you like for yourself. Ultimate separates should sound better than top of the line integrated especially from the same brand. But in the end more than sound it may be what makes sense to you and what makes you happy.
At the higher price points it not just the sound but the style. What vision of your system brings joy to your heart and ears when you power up.

Well that's my two elbows worth.

I switched from an integrated to seperates. This choice was driven by equipment positioning more so than sonics. I wished to avoid having my equipment rack between speakers and at my side. I also did not want to run longer than 15ft speaker cables so split distance between ICs and SCs. As said above, integrated amps made today are very good, avoid one IC concern, and provide high sonic to $$ return.

This is a question that I ponder. I have not had an extensive ability to listen to separates in comparison to my current integrated. I have the best of both worlds in my integrated:

I have a Simaudio 600i, which is a dual-Mono design with an oversized power supply. Gives you the feeling of separates in one box minus the extra costs of cables. Again, I really have not done an A/B comparison, although I did get to hear a Simaudio W7 with a P7 preamp and really did not sound that much difference. I remember sitting in the shop thinking really my 600I sounds comparable to this and not worth the extra 15,000.

My only gripe is that I am not getting the full dynamic and bass response that I wish I had, but again I am running Sonus Faber Cremona Ms that may not have the bass response for the type of music that I listen to. So, yes, I am revisiting the idea of separates, but my answer may be simply adding a sub to what I have. I will only know when I start getting to play with different equipment.

Go listen to a good integrated with dual-mono such as the 600i and let me know what you think.