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
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,064 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
298 posts
 

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

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
600 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
973 posts
 

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

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