Separates over time, or Integrated now?

I’ve been a McIntosh owner since the late 70’s. I have owned both integrated and separates. While the integrated units are terrific, separates are the way to go. I think your plan is a good one. 12 months is not a long time to wait for the second step. It will go by in a flash. If you go with an integrated unit now, you’ll regret it and end up with the separates anyway. Just my two cents. Regardless of which way you go, you’ll never regret buying McIntosh. 

I was under the same olde school of thought (1960/70s) that separates are always better. I have had the Mc12000 for the past 6 yrs....It does everything well. most exceptional well, more connections than anyone can use. Before my purchase I did an A:A listening session with McIntosh separates and the 12000 in the same system...for my ears - the integrated was better. I have "tinkered" - tried a separate phono stage; the phono stage on the Mc12000 was better. I did go with a separate path for the digital side ... the DA2 card on the Mc12000 is good, but can’t compete with the Aurender N20/Berkley Audio DAC combo. Will be interesting when the DA3 comes out. 

I suggest going with separates.  You will upgrade or tweak your system over time and separates make it easy to do.  In addition you can try each component individually and make sure it meets your listening needs.  The only time I go with an integrated is for simplicity and/or space and/or financial savings.  Enjoy your ongoing musical journey. 

I'd suggest if you decide to go integrated, to demo a few integrateds before deciding.  I'm not sure why people get dead set on a specific piece of equipment when it behooves people to try multiple pieces side by side to get an idea of what they like.

Personally if I was in the market for an integrated product I would 100% try out a T+A Symphonia to audition vs others.  I had a friend who said it equaled his separates that included a $6k innuos streamer and amps and dacs that cost more than the Symphonia by far.

Just my two cents.  If you go the integrated route, maybe borrow some demo pieces.  Don't just blindly think "oh that integrated looks good" and expect it to outperform other similarly priced pieces without demoing them!!

In my opinion, separates are always better even if you do not hear a difference. It gives choice!

Mike