Are integrated amps technically better than separates?

Integrated amps are almost always built on compromises. When a name brand comes out with an integrated, reviewers claim the integrated is a combination of this amp and this preamp and possible a dac and phono that currently exist in their separate lineup. But in reality, they are not. I have compared multiple integrated with the brands separates and the separates sounded better, but the separates cost more money. You don’t get anything for free. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t very good integrated amps out there because there are.

Very unlikely you’d reach the same power levels at the equivalent cost in an integrated amp.

Power wise, maybe not. Sound Quality I know it can be BETTER.
I had an Accuphase.. Integrated can have it all.. That unit bested many a Krell, Mcintosh, ML, setups... I know I owned them..Some units can still add singles along with the integrated, the best of ALL worlds.. Integrated, separates, SS, and or valve..

I'm pretty happy now, but for the dollar, starting all over again..I might go integrated.

Regards

aber, 
After those answers have you decided anything?

My observation: It's simply not possible to fit all high quality parts and discrete components into an integrated. Take for example high quality capacitors which alone take a lot of space. In separates, you'd be able to use all the big caps you want, but in an integrated you'll probably have to settle with electrolytics in a lot of areas. My c-j phono stage does not have a single electrolytic capacitor, not even in the power supply; this design will not fit into an integrated. 

Take for example high quality capacitors which alone take a lot of space.

Right, but you don't need coupling caps if you are designing the pre and amp together. But also, this is very brand specific. Not everyone uses large, boutique caps at all.