What is your current integrated?
Do you feel the need for more power?
Maybe just looking for a different sound?
another rookie question - preamp or or power amp
I have a decent integrated amp ("decent" - to my ears). SS, 50Watts to 8 Ohms. It has a preamp output.
I have been looking at used power amps and preamps in the 2-400 dollar range.
For example: the Parasound 2125 power amp, the Parasound P3
This is an OR question. Which choice will yield a better improvement,
1) if I put a preamp before my integrated so the integrated acts as the power amp
or 2) if I use my integrated as a preamp to a power amp?
It's also a choice to sell my integrated and save up until I can buy both a power amp and a preamp, but obviously I am itching to try one of the above options.
My room is 15x13 so I am not sure I need a big power amp (big: 100Watts?)
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@mahgister Merry Christmas to you too! @ozzy62 right. I know it won't buy much. I thought a Parasound 2125 power amp, the Parasound P3 would be an upgrade. @mesch it's a Denon receiver. It has what I prefer, it's 2 channel, no phono, with preamp, sounds great. I am looking for a little warmer sound and power = more effortless mids @audphile1 I see. I don't think a used Hegel H190 will go under $3000 in the near future, I checked hifishark. That's almost 8 times my budget. I guess I can conclude that for my budget I can't do much. Still, I was curious if preamp or amp would yield the bigger improvement. Another consideration is, I sold some old gear, I have about $400, if I don't use it, it will be gone soon. A pipe will break, a medical need or emergency trip will arise, etc. it will be used for a necessity Thanks again everyone! |
There are some really good integrated amps, but there are advantages in going with separates too. Which is better is a variable...it depends on the particular component in question. If you get another integrated, it could be an upgrade, or it could be a sideways step. Ultimately, I opted for separates and have never regretted it. There's a lot more flexibility with separates, and the physical and electrical isolation is a plus. |
- 61 posts total