2. amps-preamps
  3. 1036966564

Denon 5800 as preamp in "pure direct" mode?

I am trying to upgrade the two channel audio performance of my home theater. I have purchased a two channel amp (McCormack DNA-2 DLX)to connect to the pre-outs of my Denon 5800 receiver's front left and right speakers (Paradigm Ref. Studio 100's). I am wondering if anyone has an opinion of the Denon as a two channel preamp in the "pure direct" mode? Is this severly degrading signal quality? Would I benefit greatly from adding a proper preamp with a home theater pass through to my system?
emiliop
spluta
58 posts
 
Im going thru same dillema... What to do?
Im using a Yamaha 630 as a pre (It has 2 channel
bypass along with 6 channel bypass) with a Bel Canto
EVO6 amp(very high end). Im also using Analysis
plus wires (very high end)with mid of pack Infinity
speakers. It sounds REALLY good... BUT i know im just
barely scratching surface. Im in the process of buying
a new pre-amp/surround proccessor i have narrowed it
down too two... The EAD theatremaster 8000 and the Aragon
stage one. I can guarantee you will get hear a HUGE
difference with a quality pre or pre/surround processer.
I know what the Denon's and the Yamaha's sound like.
They have amazing features and value for price but
if you want high end sound you have to go extra..

I hope it helps you.. and good luck..
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Is it severely degrading signal quality? No, but it can be improved upon. See my system. I thought it worthwhile to add the external preamp, even though the 5800 is still in the loop. For some reason, the power amp sounds better driven from the preamp than from the 5800. It probably has something to do with the power and pre-amp both running in balanced mode.

That said, if you try out some good cables, you might find you are happy enough with the sound that you don't need an external preamp.

If you are thinking about upgrading your speakers, I would do that first. It will make more of a difference than a preamp.
neilejhunt
5 posts
 
I have a Denon 5800, and pure-direct mode as an analog preamp is quite bad. The detail is considerably reduced, the highs are rolled off, and there is a bit of hash added to the high end. The internal DAC doesn't suffer the roll-off problem, but the analog inputs do. However, both the internal DAC and the analog inputs have hash added to the high end, which makes listening much less enjoyable.

I added the external amp (Bryston 4BST) to better drive my Maggie 3.6/Rs. It was a nice improvement -- not as "thin" sounding.

I had to go to a separate preamp, though (placette passive pre). The Denon is now totally out of the stereo chain, and is used only for HT.
More to discover