While I lack the electrical engineering background and extpertice to 
address the comparison of integrated units compared to separates with a point 
by point narrative I will venture the opinion that it IS possible to build 
integrated units of the same quality and sound as separates. What I do 
question, and I base this on listening...and audio periodical reviews...is 
whether they are in fact being made that way. I have yet to see the glowing 
reviews and reports of integrated units as we constantly do separates. If 
they are being built, where are they?
        I have heard many really excellent integrated units in my rounds. Yet 
I have not heard an "extraordinary" integrated unit, at any price point, that 
will hold its own with the better separate units.
        While I do not read all the monthly/semi monthly audio rags, my 
reading is pretty well rounded from Stereophile, Audio, Sensible Sound 
(Defender of Best Sound For The Least Money), Stereo Review, Home Theater 
Monthly, Stereophiles Home Theater and Speaker Builder. Some have reviewed 
the best offerings of Marantz, Denon, Carver, Proton, Harmon Kardon, Onkyo, 
Yamaha, etc in integrated units, none have proclaimed them on a level of the 
best separates.
        So while I do not believe everyone should buy separates, nor that 
much of the high end separates will sound that much better to the average 
casual or livingroom listener, I do not believe integrated units are the 
equal of separates. And, I still believe that anyone beginning to pursue 
Audio as a past time should seek out the high end dealers in their area and 
go have a listen...as well as begin going to live performances. To not do so 
would be an invitation to wasting your money.
        As far as my statement that power capabilities of an amp (the more 
the better) having to do with better control of the speaker and its' 
mechanics, beyond its indication/ability of volume levels, I will have to 
stick by this also. However, beyond a certain point, power capabilities ONLY 
give bragging rights and offer nothing more to the control of the speaker. 
This cut off level will depend largely on the speaker themselves, their 
quality and sensitivity.
        I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Had a serious 
bout in the hospital and am just shaking the "brain blender" effects of 
eating and breathing through tubes for two weeks.
        Cheers, John
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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