2. amps-preamps
  3. 187580-166623

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?)

 

grislybutter
grislybutter OP
2,366 posts
 

Parasound 2125 power amp, is NOT available at $400

 

grislybutter OP
2,366 posts
 

thanks @tomic601 Holiday spirit indeed :)

grislybutter OP
2,366 posts
 

@coltrane1 yes, several people suggested that. However I went down a path of buying inexpensive stuff that I am now trying to match with a higher quality component. (My wife thinks I am hoarding but I have seen my neighbor's garages.)

It’s a fun journey, I am not in a hurry, I have already been very blessed with hardware offered and loaned to me from generous members here. I could also just sell what I have and buy a better integrated. I never had a preamp so I was curious what it would do (apparently a lot).

At this point I don’t think my budget is the biggest issue, figuring out what would improve my current system is.

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