Obviously you don’t NEED ONE, but would it be an improvement? It probably would be an improvement and could be a significant improvement. But you won’t know until you try. The suggestion above for the Schiit is a good one. It’s offered with IOS app remote control and has tube output, SS output and no gain output. If you get the remote option and the premium tubes is $1200 plus shipping and maybe tax. It has a return policy but I believe there is a fee. Your amp has balanced inputs but will accept single ended. I have Tekton DI’s and was actually recommended the Moab’s, but I went cheap. I have run mine with a $1500 dollar Rogue RP-1 with upgraded tubes to a cheap modded Atika 60 wpc ops amp. The DI’s are on Townsend podiums and it flipping rocks. Now I’m using a Rogue Hera balanced pre and a pair of 180 wpc Rogue M-180 Darks. And it flipping shakes the walls and sounds GREAT ! Tekton sells dealer direct and for what it is a remarkable speaker. There’s a huge fan base and a relatively large hater base. If I could afford a $15k pair of Tannoy’s or Fynes I’d by those. You could get a used SS pre that’s balanced like a Parasound or a Bryston , there are many. Or you could get a tube pre that’s not super syrupy like a Rogue. Look at Odyssey too. If your system actually improves with a pre , my GUESS is it will. The better the pre the bigger the reward. Decoupling those Tektons from the floor and proper placement will yield amazing results. Mine sound great with a pre and amp that cost $2000 total not including Tekefunken tubes and nice interconnects and power cables , but that stuff is reusable. With a $6K pre and $9k amps ( I was gifted the stuff ) it’s better , but not 7 times better. You have wine snobs and cigar snobs and stereo snobs. Don’t sweat it and enjoy the journey. Life is not the destination, it’s the journey and you’re right on track. Blessings and joy to you , Mike B.
Do I even need a dedicated stereo preamp?
Hi everybody, I'm new here. Been a lurker for a long time.
My current system is dual purpose for music and HT. However over time, I have added dedicated pieces of equipment for the music side. The only standalone piece I do not have is a preamp. Here is my current setup.
AVR: Anthem MRX 540
AMP: Buckeye Purifi 1ET6525SA 2 channel
STREAMER: Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2
DAC: Holo Audio Cyan 2
So far I am incredibly happy with my setup. However, a part of me wonders if I would gain any sonic benefit from a dedicated preamp.
I want to just full send it, but money is tight and I want to make sure I would truly have something to gain. That's why I am here asking all of you guys. If money wasn't an issue, I've been looking into Benchmark LA4 or the Holo Audio Serene. Another issue for me is I have gotten so used to using the Anthem phone app to adjust the volume say if I'm in my kitchen. I know I would lose that functionality.
So from those more experienced than me, will I hear a noticeable difference between the preamp in the Anthem AVR vs a dedicated preamp?
Thanks
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- 69 posts total
- 69 posts total

