I was led to believe that better performance from separates could be achieved with being able to better split up and manage the power supplies. Not sure if that is true or not. In a general sense, it is always better to have more options so the more you separate components, the more options you have to mix and match and upgrade, etc. To me, I like the integrated approach although I prefer to have a stand alone phono stage that offers more flexibility than you will usually find in an integrated with a phono. An integrated also means you have less to worry about in terms of interconnects and power cords.
Why amps, pre-amps, integrated amps???
OK, having thusfar asked questions on this forum that have exposed me to the odd raised eyebrow and snicker for my gross audio ignorance, I shall go farther still, and venture to ask: What, exactly, are amps, pre-amps, and integrated amps??. More to the point, what, exactly, is their purpose; what do they do? And why do pre-amps and amps still exist comfortably in the audio market when you can get them combined as an integrated amp?? I just don't get it. Would much appreciate your learned revelations - after, of course, you've finished with your hoots, knee-slaps, and cat-calls.