Is integrated the future for 2 channel audiophiles?


More and more integrated hitting the shelves. Although, there are plenty of dedicated preamps, I have just noticed lots of increased discussions over the past 2 years for integrated amps. 

In general, consumers are downsizing. Baby boomers retiring and going to smaller homes. Millennials and gen z prefer smaller homes as well ( in general - there are always exceptions). 

I think the turntable trendiness has leveled off ( there will always be vinyl fans...I’m talking about the people purchasing because it’s trendy). 

The masses probably favor a/v receivers. However, it seems integrated amp choices has increased quite a bit for 2 channel fans. 

Thoughts?
aberyclark
It is with me. I'm currently looking at several brands of integrated amps to go with my Harbeth speakers. I could look at separates but in many cases you'll be spending more money on an amp/preamp and additional cables. The separates may or may not sound better. But integrated amps are fast gaining ground especially from a sonic quality perspective.
I can't get away from separates because no preamp section on integrated amps really do it for me quite as well, The main issue  being I think that power supplies for each given section seems to improve things. But I always love to simplify and reduce interconnects and steps if I can... which can seem to degrade the sound, it's really a very good battle/debate as far as ultimate transparency goes.
My previous system had a 3 box preamp, and biamped speakers with a stereo amp and a pair of class A mono amps plus an external crossover.  When the time came to replace it (after 25 years),  I replaced all of that with a network streamer (Aurender N10) and and integrated amp (Levinson 585).  Instead of buying a whole bunch of interconnects, power cables, and speaker cables, I just had to buy a few.  Given today’s prices for good cables, eliminating even one pair of cables saves a LOT of money.  I really like the simplicity of the integrated amp, and I suspect eliminating the extra cable helps the sound quality.
I moved away from seperates, to an intergrated amp for my system. At this point I don't think I've lost anything as far as sound quality, and gained the convenience of a single box. What prompted this change are my speakers, being very efficient....I wanted to try a tube based IA. I ended up with a Viva Solistino amp and haven't looked back. 
Is the Integrated the future for two channel? 

Sort of. Well, yes. Maybe. No. 

That should cover most of the options regarding answers.  :)