Opinions needed; which is a better choice and why?

An integrated amp will provide most of the benefits of the pre/amp combo. The power supply is maybe the biggest issue. With an integrated the power supply tends to be smaller due to space constants. Circuitry is often altered in an integrated again due to space. There is some added chance of interference from the transformer to the amp and the pre-amp portion of the unit but this is minor in the big picture. This is why some high end equipment provides separate power supplies, reducing interference and vibration. In your situation, I'm assuming your associated equipment is on par with your integrated, you will find a far greater benefit in buying the best integrated you can afford and not pay for two power supplies, two boxes and a set of good interconnects.

I agree with Jade, economics plays a role in integrateds and there are some good single box units out there. Playing Devil's advocate: keeping the amplifier and preamplifier seperate has it's advantages, allowing you to upgrade/change either the preamplifer or amplifier (or interconnect) to suit your tastes as budget allows. It also allows you to mix and match solid state and tubes, something I find desirable. If you have to decide on where to spend the cash I would lean towards a better preamplifier and acquire a decent amplifier that could be improved upon when you feel the need. Buying used means your budget goes a long way, lots to pick from here at A'gon! Jeff

That was the main reason I was starting to lean towards the pre/amp combo just to be able to have the best of both worlds a tube pre and SS amp. In your experience, are the synergy issues matching pre to amp a big pain?
I am new to Audiogon and have never bought anything from the site. Have you had good experiences buying from the site? Also do you put faith in the user ratings of sellers?

To answer you intelligently we'd need to understand your associated equipment, listening room, musical tastes, and budget for a preamp/amp then you'd get a ton of recommendations. As for buying here, I've had nothing but success. Selling here...another story altogether

You will get as many different suggestions as there are replies & I suggest you make a decision based on what you hear. You need to audition as many different combinations as possible. With that said, then decide if you plan on upgrading in the future or if you'll likely stick with the same setup for awhile. If the latter, I suggest going with a higher quality int. as you'll have better performance spending the same money vs. separates, although there are exceptions to this. Then there is the question of used/new. Say if your budget was $3,000.00 you get some very nice separates used but couldn't touch even one of the pieces new. So, lots of considerations, although I personally would go for used separates.

Also keep in mind that separates require more connections & the possibility of upgrading PC's & IC's. Lots of variables here. I have an integrated second system which I'm very happy with but it'll never have the sonic qualities that my main system of separates has.

If your ultimate goal is the best sound possible & you're willing to do trial & error to get there, go with separates & have some fun. If you want the best possible sound right now & want to stick with it for some time, get an int. This is a very broad & generalized statement but is also meant as food for thought.