Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget

I am not disputing any of the recommendations made in any way since I have not kept up with the integrated market. However, I am surprised at the unanimity of the preference for integrated. Took a quick look at the used pre and power amps listed here. Honest question: are you guys suggesting that the mentioned integrateds are a better sounding option than, for instance, these classics (no affiliation):

That’s certainly a comparison that I would like to hear.  Anyway, that is why I asked the question.  It was not an assertion of any kind since as I said before, I have not kept up with the integrated market.  Nor do I feel the need to as I’m perfectly happy with my separates.  Instead of answering an “honest question”, you lecture.  You certainly have a way about you, Miller.  

Miller, you are taking my comment out of context and missing the thrust of my comment. My comment/question was clearly in reference to how USED separates such as the linked Rowland Coherence One preamp and a Bryston 4B amplifier, both highly regarded and classic separates, might compare sonically to a new $3K integrated. As linked, the pair can be had used for well under $3K. 

I suppose it depends. One can always start with a pair of solid good sounding, but moderately priced IC’s. Nordost Red Dawn works great in my setup, in part due to the Manleys’ and EAR’s inherently full sound. Not too pricey used. I continue to think it can be done at around the $3K, or very close to it if one is patient and does due diligence. As far as “pods, fuses”, etc. Sure, but who says that one necessarily has to go down that route? I’m a tweaker, but while my system does sound better with well chosen tweaks, it still sounds great without any of them.

Thank you for your reasoned and civil comment and question, jdoris. As is often the case here a simple and honest question from someone with a little experience in the hobby and a modicum of intelligence illicits a response that takes matters down a negative and heavy handed path. Especially since the thrust of my original comment should have been very clear to anyone not predisposed to heavy handedness and excessive ego. Let me try again:

First, I am not an equipment churner. I could offer more details about my approach to the hobby, but for purposes of this thread I will keep it to the matter at hand. I have owned and used a pair of Manley Reference 200/100 mono blocs for many years. Fantastic tube amps switchable between 200W tetrode and 100W triode. I’ve had the opportunity to compare mine to comparable current production Manley monos and others in the $10,000 range. Are the new Manley’s better than mine. Yeah, sure, a little…..maybe, depending on one’s tastes. If I were to sell my amps, I think that given their age, I would be lucky to get around $2000 for them. Same idea of diminished value for my tube preamps.

I have no doubt that there are some fine sounding integrateds made currently. I’ve heard systems built around integrateds and I would never dispute that there are NEW $3K integrateds that sound much better than, perhaps all NEW, $3K pre/amp combos. The convenience of integrateds is obvious and I’ve actually been very intrigued by the Jadis integrateds, having had experience with their amplifiers. However, a current $3K integrated better than my Manley’s and EAR preamp; or, other comparable high quality separates? Sonically and power wise? Both which can probably be had used for about the same price as a NEW $3K integrated. (I think it’s silly to get into the typical audio-jock disputes about whether something costs or is worth a couple of hundred $ more or less than something else and in which one’s opinion has to “walk all over” someone else’s).

Can the $3K integrated drive my Stax F-81 electrostatics (very inefficient) to give me the best, most natural sounding midrange that I have heard? Based on my sensibilities, of course. Or, my Maggies, to create the unbelievable soundstage that I hear? As just a couple of examples of what they can do. I suppose it’s possible, especially considering other aspects of the system and I’m open to the possibility. Actually, I hope that I’m wrong, but I kinda doubt it. That was my point and why I was surprised that the option of exceptional USED older separates had not been mentioned.

Thanks again.