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
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,817 posts
 

IF the amp and speakers are decently matched AND if the amp is decent -- the preamp is more important.

@ghdprentice put his finger on why: "It takes the really small signal and brings it up to the level the brute can handle it. The preamp is the heart of the system… it brings consistent sound to a system."

 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,192 posts
 

Both are important and making sure they sound good together is equally important. Having said that, I would suggest you upgrade your preamp.  If you like the sound of you ARC 16l and your PX-25, you might move up the ARC line.

How much were you thinking of spending?

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
239 posts
 

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

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
447 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
52 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.

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