I wouldn’t make a blanket statement that an integrated amplifier is inferior to separates because it’s not always the case. I went from Pass Labs XP-22/X260.8 to Boulders 866 integrated. My 866 is an analog version without DAC. There are use cases for integrated amps with built in DAC and phono (mostly convenience) but I didn’t want to sacrifice performance. Not a good trade off.
The sound quality with Boulder integrated vs Pass separates is different. There are aspects of it that beat the pass separates, such as speed, articulation and transparency. Noise floor with the integrated is at least on par if not better than the pass stack. The background is inky black.
When we’re talking about McIntosh separates vs integrated, you have to take into account the fact that the C2800 is a preamp with a built in DAC, USB input, HDMI ARC, as well as optical and coaxial digital inputs. It also has a built in phono stage. All these add ons are geared towards convenience. At some point the performance is and will be compromised by additional noise in the digital circuits. So in a pure sense of the word you’re getting either a two piece integrated or a one piece integrated. If you need all these options and you don’t plan on adding external DAC and phono, in my opinion, throw a dart. Either option is viable. McIntosh makes great gear and if you like the sound, you’re golden.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for the best possible performance without compromise, go for dedicated separates from other brands such as Audio Research, Pass Labs, mix and match solid state amp and tube preamp from different brands, etc.
that is just my opinion.
