Opinions needed; which is a better choice and why?

I just bought a YBA Passion Integrated amp ($4,000US). A few months ago, Before buying this unit, I was looking into buying a YBA 2 AMP and preamp (around $6,000US). The integrated amp is a brand new model (it was released in December 01). Eventough the integrated is cheaper than the separates, it is BETTER sounding that the Series 2 seperates. If an integrated is well designed and well built, it can be as rewarding as separates without the extra cost. Remember that when you buy separates, you buy 2 transformers, 2 chasis... Also, you will have to buy an extra set of interconnects (beleive me it can be very costly task to find the right one). On the other hand, you have more flexibility when buying separates.

If you are on a tight budget and want the most bang for the buck and you are looking for new components, I would look into integrated. If you don't mind buying used, there are a whole lot more separates for sale on the market compared to integrated amps. The only reason why I bought a brand new unit is because the integrated I bought is a brand new model (I beleive it will take quite a while before seing this unit on the used market).

one more thing... When you buy online, you have no chance to audition the gear before you buy. If you plan on buying separates, make sure the amp/preamp are a good match. Buying without auditionning can be sometimes very deceiving. I would go around stores to listen to some gear. Make a choice on what sounds good to YOUR ears (not the salesman's ears). Once you choice is down to a few units, shop online for ONLY the units YOU auditionned. Remember, BE PATIENT when buying online. A good deal will come around sooner or later. The only way you will not be deceived is to ONLY trust your ears. Component reviews and other people's opinion are only there as guidelines. They are not to be taken as the ultimate reference.

One more thing, if you like tubes, YBA sound very close to tubes (but with solid state advantages).

Happy shopping.

As several others have pointed out, with versatility ( amp & preamp ) come options. With options you also get variables. With variables you get a lot of trial and error i.e. finding the perfect match for cables from component to component, which pre works best with which amp, etc... If you like such things, go for the separates. I personally prefer separates, but i am a "tinkerer" by nature.

All of the others have presented a very valid argument for an integrated. While they can be a step down from top notch seperates, they are more convenient, take up less space, have some of the hassles removed, etc... and can offer the vast majority of performance of separates.

Either way, do some research and listen to as much gear as you can whenever possible. This will give a good idea of what is available and let you know what you should be looking for in terms of performance and features.

As far as buying on A-gon, take a look at a seller's feedback. It should give you at least a vague idea as to what the person is like in terms of an audio transaction. I have done quite a bit of buying / selling on this and other forums and have been very happy with the results so far. Sean
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I believe it is first necessary to have your final objective clearly understood. In order to obtain the quality of music your amplification is capable of reproducing, the amplification must be on the same performance level as the other equipment in the system. It is also true that the other considerations such as speaker efficiency must also be considered. I would advise you set set your performance goals and then borrow an amplifier from a local dealer. Get a first hand idea of how the new amplifier will increase your enjoyment of the music. Begin to learn what other changes may have to be made. It's about the music and that is a very personal thing.

Interesting discussion folks... Thanks. I certainly do not think there is a "best" is any part of audio. Everything is a compromise of some sort. I have listened to some integrated stuff lately that has knocked me out. The last being an Audiomat Aprege (tube EL34) at a very reasonable price (<$1,400).

There are a lot of great flavors of ice cream too. I wonder, do you guys like vanilla with your own chocolate or do you buy Rocky Road?

Sincerely, I remain

So far the advice I have received has been very helpful. I am leaning towards deciding on my speaker selection first and building my system around them. But I also believe the theory of garbage in garbage out so that makes the source the most important. Too many decisions!
I must say the most intriguing idea I have received so far is to buy a source such as a Theta Miles or Mark Levinson 39 or even an EAD (Diskmaster?), which has analog volume control and hook directly to my amp. Has anyone had success with a setup like this?
I am also starting to contemplate buying one very high level component and building my system around it, as my budget seems a little on the low side to have a truly mind blowing system.
In addition, is the Odyssey Stratos for real or is it all hype? If any of you Stratos owners out there read this, what amp would you say the Stratos' sound most resembles? I am curious since I cannot audition them and even if I home demo one I have read several places that they have a very extended break in period.
I cannot wait till Saturday; I have discovered a couple more high-end dealers in my area that I did not know existed.
Thanks again for all the advice! I will keep ya posted on my adventure into the realm of high-end audio. I told my wife she is in trouble as I think I may have been bitten by the audiophile bug.