Tube Integrated vs Tube Seperates

I had a PL Dialogue Premium integrated, then the preamp and amp separately, and yes the separates were much better - a lot more clarity and detail.  I now have 2 Evo 300 monos that I use a Benchmark LA4 (solid state) preamp with, running Harbeth M30.2 and second Runwell’s comments above regarding Line Magnetic.  If you can audition, depending on what speakers you have, the LM is awesome (I have the 845ia) which is only 22 w/ch.  For classical and jazz I enjoy this integrated more than any of the above.  And it does not have less clarity than the very neutral and detailed LA4 running the PL monos, which to me was amazing.   The PL are very nice though also and you can’t go wrong with them.  The LM is just more realistic sounding and musical, to my ears.  Actually has more ‘snap’ and punch than the PL.

I went to the dealer to listen to the Luxman 595 with Harbeth and walked out with a LM 845ia…which I had not planned to audition or even consider.  And yes, they do run a bit hot.  You’d be surprised how far 20 watts goes.  I generally listen lower though in the 80s at the most and don’t listen to rock.  I agree with all the comments about integrateds being compromised in the volume control, etc.  That’s why I mentioned in my previous post that I was amazed that I felt no lack in the clarity of the LM.  When I owned the PL integrated it was compromised IME in that way in comparison to the PL separates.