2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137435858

Which is more important? Amp or Preamp?

Would upgrading the amplifier or preamp make the biggest sonic difference? Here's my scenario. I currently own a HT setup. Previously, I had what I considered to be a decent 2 channel system (Classe amp and preamp) but wanted to move into HT. After having gone on a recent tweak-fest with cables, power conditioners, power cords, and isolation devices, I only realize now how good two channel sound can be. So what would my next logical upgrade be? I'm considering two options: First, purchase a considerably better 2 channel amplifier for my front speakers for two channel listening (and using the current multichannel amp for surround sound) or option 2...look for a better pre-processor which excels at two channel reproduction. In the end, two channel is more important to me than HT, but I do want the convenience of having HT without having two systems. Here's the list of my current equipment:
Rotel 1098 preprocessor
Rotel 1075 multi channel amp
Arcam cd92 and dv27 cd and dvd players, respectively
PS Audio PS300 power regenerator
PMC OB1 front speakers (along with various B&W surround speakers)

I'm looking on spending around $2500 for my upgrade in the USED audiogon market. I'm leaning towards the 2 channel amp upgrade (YBA, Ayre, Bryston, etc), thinking it would make the biggest difference, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions or recommendations for amplifier or pre-pro upgrades would be appreciated!

Thank you!
calgarian5355
woodburger's avatar
woodburger
143 posts
 
Since your amp makes the sound of your preamp much louder, I'd suggest that's more important. But crap is crap, no matter which box it comes from.

Also, you can't retrieve what isn't there - so if the pre doesn't pass good things, the amp can't make them appear.

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com/stereo.html
c5150
115 posts
 
what's more important...Your heart or your brain.? Oxygen ,water or sunlight. ??
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
Here's one alternative. Sell your Rotel seperates. Buy a decent used AV reciever ($400). Only use the amps in the reciever for the middle and surround speakers. With the money you have from the seperates and the IC's and power chords, buy a good two channel amp and pre.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
rotel 2 channel amp
calgarian5355 OP
145 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who replied. Based on what I've been reading, it appears that more people would find the preamp to make a larger sonic difference. I've been tossing the idea of moving toward a tube preamp (or possibly a multichannel tube or solid state preamp such as the Copland 306 or the McCormack MAP). If I were to go this route, I would have to change my DVD player to a unit that has 5 analogue outs for HT. I have absolutely NO experience with tube products and would like to pick your brains: First...is it safe to leave a tube preamp on for extended periods of time? How often do you need to change tubes (how long to tubes last)? How long does it take tubes to warm up?
I've done a preliminary search on this site with no luch. Any info would be helpful!
Thanks again!
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