Separates over time, or Integrated now?

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

Mike

@bound4h, so much in audio, like life, is satisfying personal needs.

My first stereo included Dynakit amp and preamp in the late '60s.  Until last year the only integrateds I owned were a classic used NAD 3020 I picked up for a second system and a 300B PP unit with HE speakers..  Over the years I had tubes and solid state, stereo amps and mono blocs, preamps and line stages with separate phono stages.  I know there are claimed advantages with each choice but I found it was more of a matter of overall system matching than one particular component type.

Recently (and admittedly due in part to my age) I wanted to simplify my system by taking out the mono blocs, line stage, and extra wires.  I found a nice deal on a demo Accuphase integrated (making it more affordable) and I've not been disappointed..  A bonus was having tone controls (switchable) for the first time in years, plus a built-in headphone amp.

I can't answer your specific questions but part of that may be resolved by carefully defining what is most important to you.  Then planning the step by step path without compromises to achieve that system.

Or you could buy the C2800 now and a used NAD C298. You might never get around to the MC462. 

Why do you need New? I'd look at used and get what you know will be the end game. Mac gear holds it's value, and is serviceable. 

Some of us have an aversion to anything used due to psychological factors and the the "yuck" factor of not knowing exact provenance. Yeah, its a brain wiring thing.

Having said that, there are a pretty mint looking C2800 and M462 available here for for a total of $15k compared to $22K new. That savings alone may get me past the used thing.