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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
fatdaddy2
534 posts
 

You've received a lot of advice along the lines of "buy xxx, it's what I use and will sound fantastic!"  However, in looking at your system, it seems rather piecemeal, and simply adding another piece won't necessarily give you better sound than what you already have.  Save your money for now, especially since you admit it is tight.  Plan on an upgrade that will upgrade your entire amplifier chain, either with a high quality integrated, or separate preamp and amp that play well together (they don't all).  Then work up from there on your other components.  Treat it as a lifetime hobby, not just a "do it once and done" effort.

parkergetdean
1,082 posts
 

I agree with several comments above, your system is not lending itself to inserting a preamp - however fancy - to make a significant difference. My favorite setup is SS power amp, tube preamp. which you can accomplish from 2K used - to replace your Buckeye. It would sure be different but not necessarily better. Nine words that applies to 9 out of 10 "upgrades" in this hobby.

musical404 OP
18 posts
 

My favorite setup is SS power amp, tube preamp. which you can accomplish from 2K used - to replace your Buckeye.

Is there something wrong with my Buckeye? From the start, I wanted more clarity and transparency than the class A/B in the anthem, and the Buckeye achieved that. Then I wanted a better streamer/dac and the eversolo took care of that. Now I’m really enjoying the cyan 2 R2R DAC. Music just sounds more enjoyable and less fatiguing regardless of volume. 

parkergetdean
1,082 posts
 

I clearly didn't say anything wrong wrong with the Buckeye. I said you could get something different. I apologize if I was confusing

musical404 OP
18 posts
 

No not at all, I was just wondering if the Buckeye has bad pairing. 

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