price point to move to separates vs integrated

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.

I recently replaced a classe ssp 25 pre/pro with a lightspeed attenuator and I must say, if you have a good dac and the qualifying specs for the lightspeed, and can live without a remote, I don't think it's possible to beat the sound quality for the money. I'm talking $800 for my classe ca-150, $450 for my dac, $500 for the lightspeed, $200 for cables. My $2000 set-up sounds damn close to most $3000 pre amps paired with $4000 amps.

If you get separates you can control your sound by changing the preamp, amp, and/or the interconnect between them. Upgrading and fine tuning is thus more flexible. If you've got audio OCD that's probably the way to go. If you just want to find great sound and be done with it at a relatively lower cost an integrated makes more sense. I go separates, but I could easily be happy (and maybe happier overall) just buying something like a Hegel H300 and being done with it. How OCD are you? That's the real question. Best of luck.

If you get separates you can control your sound by changing the preamp, amp, and/or the interconnect between them. Upgrading and fine tuning is thus more flexible.

Agree! If possible, I will always use separates for this reason.

I didn't see any mention of space. This is one of the main reasons why people get integrated amps. Separate pre-amp and power amps take up space, where integrated will not. There are some very nice integrated amps out there. You should investigate them. If you have the space, money, time and love music, then take your time and really try out separates. It has taken me literally decades to get my system to where I am now. I started with integrated amp, separate tuner (otherwise that would be a receiver), tape deck (very nice one), and decent Klipsh speakers. I still have that integrated amp in the bedroom with some hand made Oak transmission line speakers with Jordon drivers in myh bedroom with a very nice CD player that sounds wonderful. I'm thinking about getting a tubed integrated, but I don't want to spend a fortune. My listening room system has evolved. So, you really can't go wrong with integrated or separates, because you can move the integrated into another room while upgrading your main listening room later if need be. Again, there are some really nice integrated amps out there.