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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
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. 

musical404 OP
18 posts
 

I want to thank everybody for their input. For now, I've decided that I am content as of now. Thanks to everyone, I know what direction I want to go should I decide to get a dedicated preamp. 

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