Does Separates really sound better than Integrated

Elizabeth covered it well with her reply. Many varibles to consider, I'd choose top tier separates over a top tier integrated amplifier if seeking maximum performance.
Charles,

"Plenty of great integrateds, plenty more great separates"..

And each have their advantages, more flexibility with separates but the integrateds are convenient for reduced spaces. You choose the right words Elizabeth.

I agree, Elizabeth summed it up nicely.

I've experienced both routes. First iteration was an Adcom amp and preamp. Then came a Bryston amp and preamp. After that was a Proceed amp and Pass Labs preamp. My last amp/preamp combo was all CJ premier gear. I liked the preamp very, very much, but sold it in favor of a Rogue integrated which I liked better.

In 2013 I picked up a Pass Int-150. That surpasses anything I've ever owned in all areas except flexibility.

And while I have no experience with ultra costly gear, in my price areas, I've learned that you need not give up any sound quality by going to an integrated.

I recently listened, at a non-audiophile friends house, to a new Yamaha AS-1000 integrated she bought from Crutchfield.
If that was all I had to use for the rest of my life I wouldn't feel bad.
Best Integrated I've heard.