Do I even need a dedicated stereo preamp?

@musical404 ...For example, there are typically multiple variables (tucked away under different modules) that factor into gainstaging in a prepro, as compared to a simpleton purist preamp. You need to consider/address that when matching it up with a power amp.

Some guys just don't have the ability to understand/work with a complex device such as a prepro. If you fall in that category,  a simple purist preamp will do better. If you do understand how to work with a prepro, it is a powerful tool for achieving some unbelievable sound.

@soix  wrote

In a word, YES!!!  One of my biggest “Aha” moments in audio was in going from using my prepro to a dedicated stereo preamp that firmly disabused me of minimizing the importance of a good preamp, and since you’re using the preamp section of a $1900 AVR your upside potential is considerable.  If you share what sound characteristics are most important to you and/or what specific improvements you’d like to achieve you’ll get good recommendations here.  Also budget and if you’re looking for new or used.  Last, if you can hook up your source to both the Anthem and the stereo preamp you need not lose the ability to adjust volume with your phone for less-critical listening. 

The biggest change in my system I’ve experienced in the last ten years was adding/changing my preamp. It was like night and day.

For example, there are typically multiple variables (tucked away under different modules) that factor into gainstaging in a prepro, as compared to a simpleton purist preamp. You need to consider/address that when matching it up with a power amp.Some guys just don’t have the ability to understand/work with a complex device such as a prepro. If you fall in that category,  a simple purist preamp will do better. If you do understand how to work with a prepro, it is a powerful tool for achieving some unbelievable sound.

Some guys just don’t have the ability to to hear how adding a bunch of noisy digital/video processing crap into a well designed stereo preamp can muck up the sound and really just need the digital bandaids to make up for other deficiencies in their systems they don’t otherwise know how to fix.  Go to any quality dealership or audio show — no high-end speaker manufacturer or dealer demos their 2-channel systems with a prepro.  None.  Hmmm. 🙄

musical404

As many have already said, you do not NEED to get a separate preamp.

You do however have to get one if you want to get the best sound out of your gear, and continue building a better system.

Like many others here, I much prefer tube preamps with both solid state and tube amplifiers.

One of the largest improvements to my system was when I added an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, to my rapidly upgraded system. I've since tried many tube preamps in my system and others, and to me is one of the most important components.

So many choices! Still, I am fine for now until I have the funds or inkling to upgrade again. Mainly because my wife would kill me if I bought another piece of audio gear while I don't have a job.