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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

musical404
musical404 OP
18 posts
 

The slightly warm Kara F is not as good as the Serene but cost $700 and I am enjoying the heck out of it with the Schiit Wotan amp and Magnepan Mini panels. I did not want to spend more on the preamp than the cost of the amp and Mini. It was a good move in retrospect. The HPA4 in place of the Kara improves the system but the Kara is not that far behind. This is the new version of the Kara.

That's good to hear. That price is more manageable. 

riccitone
232 posts
 

If you’re ok with SS, I’ve had an SPL Elector for a few years now. It just keeps surprising me with whatever I do up the chain. For the money, it scales like you wouldn’t believe. Spacious, detailed, balanced, neutral (mostly), refined, super clear but fluid. Almost tubey? But no tubes. Don’t plan on replacing it any time soon! 
Only caveat is the casework could be more solid. Would recommend using the Stack audio auva’s underneath one 👍🏼
 

 

g2the2nd
345 posts
 

Sell the A6, buy an A8 or A10. You will get a better DAC, a balanced pre with a resistor ladder volume control all using the same app you use now. My A8 sounds great.

zlone
1,349 posts
 

Good advice here. Schiit was my gateway drug for preamps, I had the Freya+, and it was a big step up from the preamp in my NAD integrated. I upgraded from that to the Benchmark, more improvement in details, but a bit on the sterile side over time. Great preamp for low volume listening. Unless you want to mess with tubes, I would go with the Kara.

vinylshadow
556 posts
 

@musical404   You do not need a preamp.

If you use a DAC that has an analogue volume control such as Playback Designs or Audio Analogue, you can run your gear straight to the DAC and out to your amps. 

Preamps are expensive boxes that actually subtract as they are another box in the music chain and necessitate more interconnect cables as well. 

I sold my Preamp awhile ago for this reason. 

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