advantage of seperates vs integrated


I have been thinking of a change to seperates but.. I was weighing the advantages of a seperate amp/pre as opposed to using integrated (I have use of Classe CAP 151 right now). What I'd like to go to would be all Solid State Audio Research to mate with my CD 3 Mk 2. The additional questions would be; would the ARC SS provide better bottom end to the Apogee Slant 6 I lsten to and would it also provide a deeper and wider sound stage advantage for the investment of approx. $2200-$2700 post sale of existing equipment as I listen primarily to soft rock, new age and jazz? Currently the sound is very good and very smooth, would the change be worth it? Thanks for the opinion.
rsjm80
If you can find an integrated you love, it makes everything a lot simpler. No worry about synergy, impedance matching, looks of the gear in the rack together (that can be important, waf) and of corse power cords and interconnects. On the other hand, if you don't mind the above obstacles mixing and matching can be fun. If I had the money, I would go after a great integrated. I no longer believe you sacrifice sound quality with integrateds, there is a lot of them in the market now that sound absolutely outstanding. On top of that, we are going to see some hit the market with DACs built in to give people kind of a one box solution.
Rsjm80,
I agree with Kclone but I would like to give you s suggestion that would improve the sound of your system immediately, whether it's an integrated or separates: stop playing the new age music. You're welcome and no charge. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Thank you to Kclone, Phaelon, & Noble100, I think maybe you're all right in what you've said, just that I have lusted after an ARC LS 10 and an ARC amp and call it quites changing (yeah sure!) but maybe I should hold out for maybe a used Sim Audio i7, MAC MA6900 or an ARC DSi200 when some more money appears since I run the CD 3 mk2 balanced. Noble100 just to reassure you I only listen to Enya or something else VERY INFREQUENTLY but the sound stage is entharlling! Thank you again I hope this will cool my jets for awhile.
ARC did not make their rep with SS, neither did Mac. I am not sure either would be an improvement.