Help with selecting a preamp!

1jdmsir
1jdmsir Posts: 2
edited November 2009 in Electronics
My current setup is a H/K 3490 (2X120) powering Polk RTi A9's and a Polk DSWmicropro 4000 subwoofer. My question is do you think I can benefit from incorporating a preamplifier to power my A9's I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of these towers. Right now it sounds incredible compared to my old shelf style unit but is the cost of a preamp worth its benefit. By the way 90% of my setups usage is for music. Also if anyone could suggest a specific preamp that might suit my needs that would be great!

Thanks!
Post edited by 1jdmsir on
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Comments

  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    Welcome to Club Polk!

    I'm already selling my current preamp, but I'm not going to dump my gear on you but take a listen at the some of the suggestions made.

    Are you looking for a solid state or tube preamp?

    What's your budget like?

    -Freddy

    Edit: After re-reading your post, are you looking for an AMP instead? You said something to power your speakers, so I assume you meant a power amplifier and not a preamplifier.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    I think for the money you would have to spend to improve on what you have would not be worth it.

    Enjoy what you have or be prepared for a long dark journey down the rabbit hole
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
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  • 1jdmsir
    1jdmsir Posts: 2
    edited October 2009
    I'm quite new at this as this is the first quality stereo I'm putting together. I guess I must be confused about the difference between a preamp and an amplifier? I just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my A9's.

    I've also been reading through my stereo receiver manual and there is a section in there about switching to 4 ohms which would increase the output to 150 Watts x 2, both channels driven at full power at 4 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.2% THD; 300 watts total. How can I make sure I'm getting the maximum out of my HK 3490 receiver, do ohms effect quality?

    Thanks for everyone's help!
    1jdmsir
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,173
    edited November 2009
    Welcome to CP, and here is a thread I posted a while back with some good info.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83191

    While the 3490 is a great stereo receiver (I had one and loved it), you should look at getting a power amp for those A9's. Enjoy!
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited November 2009
    Welcome to the Club!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited November 2009
    Here's a preamp at a good price:

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1262293595&/Marsh-Sound-Design-P-2000t-hyb
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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