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AV Pre/Processor vs 2 Channel Pre-Amp - Sound Quality

Ok, so let’s say we have the most amazing separate 2 channel amp, and we connect it to an AV Processor, and then to a dedicated 2 channel preamplifier separate specifically for music play. Are we really going to hear a difference at say the $2000 level?
craigert
craigert OP
147 posts
 
Thanks Eric and Soix.

Soix you were helping me on my other similar thread, but then I got curious how much of a sound difference there would be.

As you know, for my basement theater I just bought a current model Marantz processor and Anthem 7 channel amp. 

For the upstairs TV where I have just a 2.1 system but with my nice Monitor Golds I want to listen to music too. As you may recall I have a Pioneer Elite receiver and am thinking about buying an atoll 2 channel amp. I had gone back and forth between a 2 and 5 channel to biamp remember?

So this thread picks up where the other left off. Do I upgrade my pioneer receiver to another Marantz Processor, or do I keep the pioneer and buy a preamp to o between the Pioneer Elite and 2 channel amp. 

Again, for anybody else reading this, I DO NOT want an integrated amp because I have not found an Integrated Amp with HT Bypass that also has bass control. If I buy a preamp with ht Bypass like the Atoll, I could connect that to my Pioneer Receiver. Then I connect the atoll preamp to my subwoofer and use the dial on it for bass management. Why do I need bass management you may be asking? Because I run a 2.1 system and I don’t want the full signal going to my bookshelves because thy distort. Then I would connect my amp to my subwoofer high level outs, and finall to my bookshelf. 

If the Atoll preamp is not going to sound any better than buying another Marantz AV Processor, then I will simply replace the Pioneer Elite with another Marantz 7704 l. 
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 

I read what your saying about integrated, but I would suggest something like the Anthem integrated with their room correction that will integrated your sub much better then what your proposing. Or their similarly outfitted pre-amp with room correction. there are many other similar pre amp - integrated with built in room correction that would serve you better in a 2.1 system then trying to chain together a preamp- AV pre processor- amps. Lyngdorf TDIA-2170 is another many are raving about. Micro mega m100-150 as well.

These also have digital ins and tuners so your not losing anything but gaining much better control of your 2.1 system IMO.

oh your Marantz in an integrated with av processing that you don't really need in a 2.1 channel system. Why pay for stuff your not using

soix
9,456 posts
 
What subwoofer do you have, and what are your sources for music and movies?
caphill
674 posts
 
@craigert

For your upstairs tv 2.1 where you only have 2.1 setup, why bother buying an AV receiver or AV pre pro + power amp? Just get a good quality stereo integrated amp with HDMI inputs that can also do bass management. I’m sure you listen to quite a bit of music too in this room.

The Classe Sigma 2200i stereo integrated amp has HDMI inputs and bass management and a subwoofer out. It supports 4k pass through. It has manual PEQ. It sounded really good and has tons of power. But the Classe Sigma 2200i will digitize its analog audio inputs. This is a direct digital amplifier. For your music sources I would highly recommend using its USB DAC input, and for your video or AV sources just use HDMI inputs. 
I'm assuming you have some AV or video sources in this TV room otherwise there's no point of having a TV. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

A comment on your desired configuration.  If you are intending to run RCA/XLR to the subwoofer first, then take the high-pass output and connect it to your amazing 2-channel amp for bookshelves, you will probably not get any benefit from a dedicated preamp.  The analog stages in the subwoofer that crossover and output the high frequencies are not going to be as good as those found in 2-channel preamp, and even some high end HT Processors (such as the Classe SSP or Sigma).  You're pretty much degrading the sound quality by using the sub as a crossover/preamp for the amplifier.

If you really want a subwoofer and a dedicated 2-channel preamp, I would suggest using XLR output to go directly to your amp/bookshelves, then use the RCA output to go to the subwoofer to "support the low octave that bookshelves cannot reproduce".  It's not a perfect solution, but much better than your original thoughts.  The small bookshelves are going to roll off the bass frequencies anyways.

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