You're using a Buckeye Purifi already, one of the best amps in the market, and easily one of the best values on the market. If someone is telling you that something will sound better than that Buckeye Purifi, they're lying, or don't know what they're talking about. Ignore the snake oil investors.
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
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@musical404 I’ve got an Anthem MRX-1140 and have tried 5 different Preamps along with going direct from the DAC to Amp using LEDH digital volume control. A Pre can make a very noticeable difference. The Anthem will reprocesses any incoming signal as another member mentioned, the MRX series are all digital, your receiver is double processing the signal, not great for your 2 channel set up. If it had an analogue pass through you’d be looking at a smaller improvement by adding a Pre. |
@mm1tt77, that is interesting to hear about the LEEDH volume control and preamps. I was just thinking how I could forgo the preamp and maybe use a Lumin streamer with its built-in volume control. I am in the same situation as the OP, wondering if I need a pre. Enjoying this thread. |
Absolutely, a preamp is one of the most important investments in your system besides the speakers. Not only for switching between sources but for shaping the sound to create a more involving and musical presentation. Make sure you put as much money here as you can afford. There are some dyed in-the-wool audiophiles that used to be purists that have come back to the idea of using one (a preamp) and never looked back. |
- 69 posts total