2. amps-preamps
  3. 185078-172731

Amp vs Preamp which is more important?

I am considering changing my amp/preamp combination and as I think about budget, I am wondering if one of these components should get more focus. My other question is if these components, even separates can never be considered in isolation but are always part of a pair working together.

I thought there must be a thread on this, but I couldn't find it. Feel free to respond with it here and I will shut this thread down.

Thanks!

saulh
jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
268 posts
 

Preamp. Garbage into your amp only produces much louder garbage out!

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
550 posts
 

PRE_AMP, No question is more important...It takes years to Realize this but once you do......you do !  AudioGD HE-1 XE SLR with it's own regenerative power supply @ $4000 is the best 10 tube pre I've heard under $15K and the Part Time Audiophile agrees.

saulh OP
56 posts
 

@curiousjim maybe 5 or 6k. I am leaning toward an ARC 5se, not the latest/greatest, but I imagine a significant step up from the sp16.

lanx0003
802 posts
 

Power amp but a neutral, transparent preamp with good volume control that will keep perfect left-right channels balance is important too.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
550 posts
 

For the BEST SOUND....Tube preamp with Solid State amp.( Class D like Aavik or Gato OR on the more mid fi level the Peachtree Gan 400 is excellent

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