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Preamp and receiver together with power amplifier ?.? Help

Hey guys I’m running a Denon Poa 2800 amplifier with a Denon 2801 receiver. My question is when I had the power amp 2800 tested at the sellers house he tested it with a preamplifier. Once I got home I hooked up the power amp 2800 to my denon 2801 receiver yeah it does sound a lot better then it originally did but in my opinion the vocals don’t sound like their jumping out of the speaker as much as it sounded when I tested at the sellers house with his preamplifier. In my opinion from what I have heard with the tests I believe having a preamplifier rather then a receiver sounds better listening to music wise ?? What do you guys think??

I also want to ask you guys is it possible to hook up the power amplifier to a receiver and a preamplifier at the same time? Is there even any RCA cables out there that have to plugs that go into the power amplifier and then have 4 other plugs coming out on the other end? so 2 pairs of white and red cables??? Is it possible and how would I go about setting them up? Bear in mind I am also pretty new to the audio world.

Cheers

Tony
daoki
reubent
6,978 posts
 
@daoki - Do you have only a 2-channel system (L&R front speakers) or do you have a multi-channel HT system (L&R fronts, center, surround, subwoofer)? If you only have a 2-channel system with only L&R front speakers, you do not need a multi-channel HT receiver (Denon 2801). 

Typically, a dedicated 2-channel only system should provide better sound quality than an HT receiver. The HT receiver packs lots of additional circuity, that is not dedicated to sound quality, into one "do everything" box. A 2-channel system, comprised of a pre-amp and power amp, or an integrated amplifier, only has one job to do, so the circuitry can be simplified and better tuned for best sound quality.

So, do you have 2 speakers, or a multi-channel HT system? What are your source components? You mentioned TV, but do you also have a CD/DVD player? Turntable? Digital streamer? And do you need AM/FM radio tuner?
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The OP is being coy about what speakers he has! No need to feel ashamed! We can help you choose something a lot better!
daoki OP
26 posts
 
Nahhh I just forgot to mention them lol dont worry I’ve been going crazy for the past 2 weeks on what ever forums I could find regarding audio equipment and tips I have a pair of Polk Audio RTI A7s. Using a denon 2801 as receiver and Denon Poa 2800 as power amplifier. I have heard from other users and people saying that a preamp will definitely improve the sound from good to great which I believe is true as well? Because when I bought the Power amp Denon Poa 2800 I tested with sellers preamp I come home hook up my receiver and just not satisfied. Bear in mind I am fairly new to the audio world but if I never heard the power amp with the preamp I probably wouldn’t even have know what I was missing out on but now that I have I am on the hunt. All you guys know how it is! 😜. That’s why I came across the Denon PRA series and would like your suggestions if there are any preamps out there that would suit my power amp and speakers? Or should I stick with the Denon PRA series?
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I suggested that you get the Denon PRA 1000 preamp for a good match with the POA2800 amp. I found one listed on EBAY for $375 + shipping ($45). Original owner. Since you are in Australia shipping will be considerably more! Maybe you can find one locally!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
When you heard the POA2800 demoed it was with a different pair of speakers - not the Polks, I am sure! So you take it home and it sounds different with the Polks. Well, what did you expect? Speakers are THE one thing that makes the most difference in the final sound. Not the electronics! Want a better sound? Get a better pair of speakers! NOT a different amp!
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