Preamp Question - Worth it?

Theheadsn

This is a total newbie question, but are the improvements in sound and performance worth the upgrade?

If I were to have a receiver hooked up with external amps, is it worth it at that point to go out and buy a preamp instead?

I know with a lot of audio its subjective. But is there an objectively increase in sound?

Yes I do understand most people dont listen at refrence levels, and if you dont listen at loud volumes it doesn't matter much to begin with. I'm just curious if its more of a snake oil type of things or an actual jump in quality. Thanks again as always

Clipdat

Theheadsn wrote: »

Yes I do understand most people dont listen at refrence levels, and if you dont listen at loud volumes it doesn't matter much to begin with.

I completely disagree with this statement.

Clipdat

And yes, a well designed dedicated stereo preamplifier will almost always outperform a HT receiver or processor acting as a preamp.

Theheadsn

Clipdat wrote: »

Theheadsn wrote: »

Yes I do understand most people dont listen at refrence levels, and if you dont listen at loud volumes it doesn't matter much to begin with.

I completely disagree with this statement.

I should have been more specific on what I meant with "it doesnt matter"
Obviously clean power is always preferred, and you dont need much to produce quality sound.
What I meant to say was if you are trying to fill a large space full of sound and need to raise the volume up high, having a dedicated amp helps greatly. Most people though dont have huge spaces to fill, so they dont need to turn the volume up as loud, which means you wouldn't ever get close enough to clipping levels. Not saying thats the rule though

Theheadsn

Clipdat wrote: »

And yes, a well designed dedicated stereo preamplifier will almost always outperform a HT receiver or processor acting as a preamp.

But in what ways specifically?

daddyjt

There are a couple of very good reasons to go with separates.

1. Generating substantial amounts of power requires large amounts of electrical current. A dedicated amplifier’s power supply is designed for this, and that power supply has no other obligation within the amplifier. In a receiver, that same power supply is feeding the amplifier section, preamp section, sound processors, DA converters, phono sections, etc. when the amplifier is at high demand, the other obligations of the power supply could (will) potentially suffer.

2. The high current generated in amplifiers can corrupt delicate signals running between preamp sections, phono sections, etc within a receiver.

3. The purity of the signal, and an abundance of power are critical at ANY listing level - arguably even more so at lower volumes.

Clipdat

Theheadsn wrote: »

But in what ways specifically?

In every audible way. When a product is engineered to specifically be a stereo preamp and nothing else, it's performance will exceed a product that's designed to be a one box HT solution like a receiver/processor.

Theheadsn

I agree that for a myriad of reasons a dedicated preamp should in theory work way more effeicient then just a stand alone receiver. I'm curious though if you take away the receiver itself needing power to run the speakers (with having a separate amp or monoblocks), is the improvement as great or just very subtle.

Clipdat

The preamp section in a receiver/processor is likely an afterthought or something build to meet a specific tight budget.

kharp1

I probably have/had more preamps than any other component, and, I find the pre to be extremely critical.

pitdogg2

Receivers are jack of all trades and a master of none.
A dedicated preamp is a master at that trade

rburgess714

Ah ha moment was adding and external amp to my AVR. Adding a dedicated pre was a defining moment; clarity, separation of instruments and a wider sound stage. A few months ago I had to send my pre back to replace the volume pot and went back to using the AVR as a pre. It really was noticeable and I was thrilled to get my pre back.