Is pre-amp really worth it?

rcrook317
rcrook317 Posts: 280
edited February 2010 in Electronics
My question is this,im using a xpa-2 w/ a hk354 thru the pre-outs.
I have a mx-114 Mcintosh that needs front glass replaced otherwise working fine.Also have the chance to borrow a kenwood pre.But neither one of these have bypass for ht so i would have to swith rcas everytime i watch a movie.
Will a preamp really upgrade my music listening expierence that much.Its been years since i had true separate setup

thanks
fronts=rti12s(cherry)
center=csi3(cherry)
sub=psw125(cherry)
emotiva xpa-2
harmon kardon 354
sony cdp
ipod 8gb
audioquest diamondback 1m
"Maesto" straightwire cables
pangea ac-9
playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
Kenwood Phono
bren1 Clamp
Herbies Slipmat

"It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
Post edited by rcrook317 on
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Comments

  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited February 2010
    Yes, it can very worth it. I'd say give it a try? Given that you already have a couple preamps that you can try, what do you have to loose?

    I was in a similar situation, using my Pioneer Elite AVR as a preamp originally. Then I picked up a used entry-level preamp (Cambridge C500) and experienced improvements to dynamics, rhythm, and pace. I later removed the Cambridge C500 for a while as an experiment – that didn’t last too long.

    Rather than swapping cables, I have the HT’s L and R channels calibrated to the 12:00 position on the Cambridge C500. This works OK – just need to be diligent about turning the volume back down for 2 channel listening. A preamp with a HT bypass would be the ideal option though.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
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  • holt
    holt Posts: 131
    edited February 2010
    I've been wondering the same thing. Right now, I can't imagine the sound getting any better, but that is all I keep hearing is that you get better with a preamp. I need one with a HT bypass though....
    Pioneer vsx-9130txh-k
    Anthem Pre2L SE
    Marantz cd5003
    Proceed amp 3
    Sherwood Newcastle A-965
    Signal ll IC's
    Polk lsi-15s
    Polk lsic
    PSW505
    Polk Monitor 30 surrounds side and back
    PS3 with modified 500 gig hd
    Samsung ln52a650
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,497
    edited February 2010
    If you're looking to maximize your 2ch listening enjoyment, then yes a pre-amp is very much worth it.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,327
    edited February 2010
    Yes & no depending on who you listen to. As far as I'm concerned certain AVR's are more than up to the task (not all AVR's are created equally) as a preamp for 2 channel listening. I don't know enough about your HK to comment on it's 2 channel sound...that's entirely up to you to make that call. But from my experience my NAD AVR is one hell of a performer for 2 channel listening. I went down the separate road after hearing the same thing you pretty much are being told. I had a tube & SS pre w/ HT bypass & yes they sounded great...as did my NAD. In the end the NAD won out & I put the money to better use. You have to listen for yourself & make the final decision.
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  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited February 2010
    I like my Onk in pure-audio mode. However, that doesn't mean that I won't try separates someday. I just wish I had room for a separate two-channel rig...
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
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