Integrated Amp Vs. Outboard DAC

I would go with an integrated amp with an outboard DAC. YMMV.
DAC technology changes so quickly and becomes outdated so quickly that you don’t want to have to keep changing integrated amps every year to keep up with DAC "flavor of the month".

Thanks for the feedback!

agree. it will only take an extra cable and minute to set up, and will not affect ease of use. on the other hand, if you don't plan to make any changes for a bunch of years, and are only looking for mid-fi, then an all in one is cheaper. I use both.

Also agree with the above.  I've had my amp for almost 20 years but have had four DACs in my system over that time.  Buy a great integrated you can keep and upgrade DACs as needed.  Best of luck. 

Like most things it depends.

What integrated compared to what external DAC and amp?

The unique advantage of separate DAC is you can change and upgrade DACs without having to change amps. That’s a useful thing especially if one considers DAC technology to still be improving overall rapidly, which seems to be the case.

The unique advantage of an integrated is well its integrated....details of integrating DAC with the rest have been worked out for you.   Also should be easier for wife and kids.

I have separate DAC in one system and integrated in another. Both sound top notch but different. Hard to say which is "better" sounding and exactly why.

YMMV.