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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
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,497 posts
 

@ricky64  Thank you for sharing

Yes, that is a very common experience.

robeffy's avatar
robeffy
84 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!!!!!!!!!

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
358 posts
 

I don't see the benefit of adding a pre-amp to a multichannel receiver like the MRX 540.  At its price point being a receiver with all the other features it has I suspect the amplifier is not likely a strong point.  Adding a pre-amp will change the sound and you may like it but then your pre-amp will be in another class from your receiver amp.  You will be in the same situation asking if a separate amp will sound better but then the answer will be yes, definitely.

Save your pennies and get a good integrated or better separate amp and pre-amp. 

skinzy's avatar
skinzy
204 posts
 

DAC’s with builtin volume controls are not all the same.  A digital volume control, as has been said, is to be avoided.  Many higher end DAC’s use standard analog volume controls just as a standalone preamp. For example I run my MSB Cascade DAC directly into my Amplifiers with great result. I also run my phono pre into the analog inputs of my DAC. Another standalone preamp would simply add color the sound.

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