price point to move to separates vs integrated

Nowadays, integrateds can sound as good as separates up to whatever price point you care to name. Separates and the cables they require all add their own sound to the mix and yes, it can be pleasing but it is more accurate than an all in one box solution that can minimize those variables? It all depends on the design and how well it's implemented and how it sounds in your system. Anything else is conjecture.

A couple of weeks ago I saw an ad here for a Burson PI-160 integrated which I own and is now discontinued. The seller said it operated in Class A and I know it's a Class A/B design, so I emailed him to see about it and he wrote back that he spoke to Burson and they say that it does operate in Class A for most of it's output, almost to its rating. Considering that I have Tonian Labs speakers which are 95db efficient, it explains why it sounds so damn sweet, detailed and full bodied. Granted, it's not much to look at but that's not why I bought it. After learning more about it makes it all the more sweeter.

All the best,
Nonoise

Congratulations Gustav1. I hope it brings you many satisfied years of listening.

I replaced a CJ Preamp and Amp set up with a tubed integrated.

The integrated beats my former CJ gear. In Fact I feel my current
Integrated also is better than any othe pre power arrangements I owned-

Including Pass, Bryston, ML. So to me neither have any inherent
Advantage. It's how it's done. Either can be superb.

I see no point in going for seperates unless you want to spend mega bucks. Brands like:
Accuphase
Luxman
Symphonic Line
Pass
Gryphon
Cary
Naim
Vitus
Burmester
and many many others

Below 10K I do not see the point of seperates. But I 'll be the first to admit that this is all highly subjective.

Im keeping my eyes on this thread very closely. Im definitely on that fence. My simaudio 600i is great, but since i got the Franco Serblin Ktema im lacking a little low end at low volumes. Have not spent much time swapping amps to evaluate differences, but looking forward to. My rule, separates will need to sound two times better for me to move up. Wish i had originally bought the 700i knowing i was going to purchase larger speakers in the future.