@immatthewj I did think about buying a preamp from the big retailers for around a $1500 on a credit card. I think it's a good idea actually because it would show me if there is a difference. The downside is that once I return it, I would have to go for an older version of it, because the latest one would still cost more on the used market. E.g., Parasound P3 vs P6, but still, it would get me going. But your advice is so far the best one, for my limited knowledge and budget.
another rookie question - preamp or or power amp
I have a decent integrated amp ("decent" - to my ears). SS, 50Watts to 8 Ohms. It has a preamp output.
I have been looking at used power amps and preamps in the 2-400 dollar range.
For example: the Parasound 2125 power amp, the Parasound P3
This is an OR question. Which choice will yield a better improvement,
1) if I put a preamp before my integrated so the integrated acts as the power amp
or 2) if I use my integrated as a preamp to a power amp?
It's also a choice to sell my integrated and save up until I can buy both a power amp and a preamp, but obviously I am itching to try one of the above options.
My room is 15x13 so I am not sure I need a big power amp (big: 100Watts?)
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@tomic601 you are Santa :) I will follow up, thank you |
If you plan to get one good integrated amp and be done with it, an IA is a good option. If you figure to continue your journey to other levels, the move to separates makes the most sense to me. All of the best systems I’ve heard had separates. At a certain level the limitations of an integrated will typically become apparent at some point. (granted I haven’t heard all of them, or even the best of the modern ones, but the physical and electrical separation, along with separate power supplies is a benefit...at some point, it’s a benefit that can be heard) It really depends on how far you want to take things......which is often an unknown until you get there! 🙄😉 |
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