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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
 

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. 

ricky64
32 posts
 

I went without a pre for several years, convinced of the absurdity of it. At the same time, I did not like the sound, and was looking at cabling, new amp, sub, power issues, etc. I finally bought a pre amp. Problems solved. I now regret the wasted years without the pre amp.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,394 posts
 

@ricky64  Thank you for sharing

Yes, that is a very common experience.

robeffy's avatar
robeffy
78 posts
 

Every pre amp I have had has changed the sound.  I still have a AR LS-15, paired with a Bryston 3b-NRB in my wife art studio. She paints daily, loves it. 
Before that I had a Bryston .5B preamp, which is not great, but, it still works and is moving onto 30 or more years of age. Bryston. Quality build. 
I currently use a ML 326S preamp, which is fantastic. Completely different sound as compared to the LS-15, tube warmth, less crisp. I personally prefer the 326S.
My DAC is a T+A DAC 8 DSD. It can double as a preamp if I want it to. It has 4 spdif inputs, Optical, BNC, USB and AES inputs.Digital volume control. Terrific DAC. It has a totally different, almost clinical sound as compared to anything else I own. 
My Yamaha surround sound receiver, 7.1, all Paradigm system, does not even come close to any 2 channel I own.  
Do you need a preamp, no, but, can you tailor the sound, yes. So much personal preference out there.  
Get on Canuck Audio Mart, and be blown away at what is for sale, slightly used.

kymanor1
126 posts
 

YES!!!!!!!!!

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