How much better is a pre pro than a Yammie with pre outs?

john22614

I have a Yamaha RXV630 with pre outs connected to an Anthem MCA 3 amp running my LSI 9's and C. Wondering how much sonic improvement I might get if I were to replace the Yamaha with a mid priced pre pro made by someone like Outlaw. New inputs/outputs are not an issue......the Yammie has just what I need, and it powers the surrounds just fine. I don't use any video connections through the AVR and wouldn't expect to with a new pre pro. I listen mostly to upgraded "CD quality" internet broadcast music through Itunes radio......haven't bought a SACD or CD in a long time, and with the emergance of Itunes Plus, really don't expect to buy new CD's in the future. DVD's, SACD's and standard CD's sound quite good on my current set up. I usually listen at moderate volumes.

Just wondering if you have any opinions on the potential benefit of this type of upgrade.....especially if I don't need any more inputs or HDMI. I like my current set up very much.....just don't want to overlook the possiblility of one last upgrade that might make it really shine.

Thanks

SolidSqual

Like any addition to your system, the affect can vary. That being said, I replaced my Yamaha with a $1000 Tube preamp from Rogue Audio. The difference was staggering.

john22614

Interesting....thanks for the response

snow

I think it would depend on what you replace it with of course. But the yamaha is a pretty standard receiver and any quality pre/pro should make a hell of a difference in sound quality, most noticeable probablly in 2 channel stereo or on dvd-a music videos more than movies.

What is your budget for a pre pro?

REGARDS SNOW

john22614

probably around $1000......will also need to pick up a stereo amp for the surrounds....probably will look for something fairly modest there

snow

john22614 wrote: »

probably around $1000......will also need to pick up a stereo amp for the surrounds....probably will look for something fairly modest there

Well for 1k you can pick up some pretty decent used pre/pros I would suggest doing this. Look on audiogon or ebay for a Lexicon DC-2 or MC-1 then get the 7.1 analog bypass done for $175.00 thats available on ebay or at the lexicon forum by shawn fogg. here is a link to the upgrade on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/Lexicon-DC-1-DC-2-MC-1-8-chan-analog-bypass-upgrade_W0QQitemZ290147035275QQihZ019QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Then you will have a very nice pre/pro that was 6k new that has 7.1 channel abilitys for around a grand or less depending on which lexicon you choose, that has the ability to handle pretty much any format thats out there today. and some that are coming up via the analog inputs.

REGARDS SNOW

john22614

thanks snow, I appreciate the suggestion and the link.....will check it out.

snow

john22614 wrote: »

thanks snow, I appreciate the suggestion and the link.....will check it out.

Your welcome John. Good luck and have fun on your search no matter what you decide on.

REGARDS SNOW

fireshoes

While I like Yamaha receivers quite a bit, the RXV630 is pretty basic and I think you'll find a substantial improvement in going to a dedicated preamp. I've been extremely happy using my RXV2700 though (using Carver amps for the front stage) on my LSi system. I previously used an older but solid prologic Rotel preamp in the system. I also had a cheapy Rotel stereo preamp that was clearly inferior to the surround one. I guess you get what pay for, ultimately. I mostly use the system for tv, video games, and HD DVD's.

john22614

If you don't mind me asking one more question....will a dedicated pre amp improve the sound of moderately compressed digital music?......I listen mostly to Sky.FM which broadcasts upgraded MP3 at 192K (as opposed to the standard 128K of iTunes)......so, its closer to standard CD quality, but sounds just a little muddy. DVD's and high def tv broadcasts sound very crisp and clear on my current set up. I hate going through the hassle of having a new outlaw shipped and setting it all up only to discover that the upgraded MP3 source material isn't worthy of the upgrade.

I very much appreciate any thoughts on this.....

snow

john22614 wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking one more question....will a dedicated pre amp significantly improve the sound of moderately compressed digital music?......I listen mostly to Sky.FM which broadcasts upgraded MP3 at 192K (as opposed to the standard 128K of iTunes)......so, its a big improvement and closer to standard CD quality, but still sounds just a little muddy. DVD's and high def tv broadcasts sound very crisp and clear on my current set up. I hate going through the hassle of having a new outlaw shipped and setting it all up only to discover that the upgraded MP3 source material isn't worthy of the upgrade.

In all likelyhood no. if it sounds bad now it will only get worse with a nice pre amp or pre/pro. The DACs in the outlaw im sure are much better than whats in your yamaha. That being said they will more accurately reveal both good and bad. it may be that that you need a better tuner to get the best sound. most tuner sections in modern receivers are absolutley crap. if you have a nice clear signal and high quality DACs both it will sound great.

REGARDS SNOW

john22614

Thanks again snow.....I appreciate you taking the time to respond a second time. I think I will wait to see how the new iTunes Plus (near lossless) sounds....then decide about the upgrade. As far as AVR tuners go.....I agree completely....they sound like junk.