Using "pre-outs" of an integrated amp provide sound quality equal to a separate pre-amp?


Will using the "pre-outs" of an integrated to drive a basic power amp provide sound quality EQUAL to a separate quality pre-amp?? 

I have read that many pre-outs are just "op-amps" that channel an output signal to the amp, but  are not equal to the output stage of a separate pre-amp, and therefore limit or hinder or limit the performance  of the basic power amp.   .

Trying to determine if it is worth it investing  in a separate pre-amp for a BAT VK-200 amp

Would a quality pre-amp provide 15% to 2o% better sound??    Thanks


sunnyjim
Separates is the best way to go in terms of sound quality. I have five monoblocks, one for each channel and I couldn't be happier.
An integrated amp is essentially a preamp and power amp sharing the same box so if its of good quality there is no reason why you couldn't use the integrated internal preamp (preamp outs) to drive your Bat power amp. One time my preamp needed new tubes and was temporary out of commission so I used the preamp outs of a Harmon Kardon receiver to drive it with surprisingly good results. But only you can judge the end results and whether you need to move ahead and buy a dedicated stand alone preamp.

Thanks to all have responded so far; I appreciate your time

To paraneer.  I have a Rogue Sphinx integrated whose pre-outs i am using.

To 213 running: You asked  "Is there something lacking in the sound"??  Well that is always the question for most audiophiles, that is, is what I have good enough??   So you then speculate maybe I should look for something better to bring the system to a new level of sound and enjoyment....but is it worth it??

 I can't say there is anything particularly  lacking in the sound, However,  a wider deeper sound stage, more air around instruments, and therefore more presence, and therefore greater musicality would be great. Some of what I just stated, maybe more speculative, than achievable, or possibly only marginal using a separate pre-amp . For the record, I have considered at least 15 different brands of pre-amp, and at least 5 models within the brands. I need to have a smooth acting remote, and if possible a good phono stage.

The new Rogue RP-1 has both features, but there has been little buzz about its sonic performance on this blog or in the audio press.  The BAT VK-200 amp has a combo of XLR and RCA connectors.  I would like to take advantage of the supposedly sonic benefits of XLR to XLR interconnects. All I need is a pre-amp XLR input for the amp, and one for my Ayre CD player. The company recommends using the XLR outputs to inputs for the best sound.

It is not necessarily a "no brainer" to go with a used and older BAT pre-amp because usually remote and phono stage are costly options. As good as a product that BAT is, an older BAT pre-amp  from 10 -12 years ago may not be equal to the Rogue Sphinx integrated pre-amp. Though, overall, BAT is in a different league than the Rogue.  The VK-200 amp clarified and convinced  me of that fact. 

There is a Coda CP pre-amp that may still be available to me, but it is a boutique product with no reviews, though several members claimed it is a very good pre-amp, and is still current in the Coda  It has a remote. phono stage and a mix of XLR and RCA connectors .  Thanks 

I have had both good and bad reults, but have always found that if I sold the integrated, I could buy a pre that was better than the pre in the integrated...maybe even the same brand if you like their sound...
So what is driving your  BAT VK-200  right now?  I guess its an integrated amp, and you are using its pre-outs to drive the Bat?

Yes, many pre outs consist of op-amps, but like paraneer said, it all depends on the brand and models.  The pre outs of some integrated amps would be superior to some separate pre-amps.  

Is there something lacking in the sound you have now?  
Will using the "pre-outs" of an integrated to drive a basic power amp provide sound quality EQUAL to a separate quality pre-amp??
It could.  But only if the built-in preamp section of the integrated was equal to or better than the separate pre-amp you may be considering. 

The power amp, external or the built-in one of the integrated can only receive the best signal that pre-amp in the integrated is capable of sending.  So without knowing exactly what models we are dealing with, the answer to your question is just a "maybe".