2. amps-preamps
  3. 1217975518

Pre Amp Help

Hi guys. I am wondering if it is worth the switch to a dedicated pre-amp or a pre-amp/tuner. I currently use my Onkyo Integra A/V receiver as the pre-amp/tuner. I have an Arcam 8SE hdcd/cd player, an Adcom GFA-555II amp, and KEF Reference 103/4 loudspeakers. I use Audioquest interconnects and solid Audioquest bi-wire speaker cables. The Integra receiver is better than most, with a pre-out (obviously), and gold-plated rca connections for the cd, pre-amp out, etc. I like the receiver because of the nifty remote, display etc, but I'm wondering if I'm compromising sound quality. There is presently a reasonable B&K pre-amp/tuner on ebay, as well as an Adcom GTP-500. Any strong opinions??
klipschking
phd
1,314 posts
 
Definately go with the B&K PT3 preamp/tuner. I once had one hooked up to a McCormack amp with excellent results.
Post removed 
klipschking OP
83 posts
 
Well, I bought the Adcom GTP-500 tuner, because I ended up with a winning bid of $120.00 on ebay (with original box, remote and manual). Figured I couldn't go wrong at that price, and should be able to sell the Integra for more. The Integra is a decent A/V receiver, but my thought is that it is also full of electronics that I don't need, such as the "Home Theater" 6.1 surround sound circuitry, the internal DAC, and the various electronics dedicated to various digital effects, such as "Concert Hall", "Dolby", "Theater", etc. The Integra is also geared to multi-zone/multi-room use, and I'm guessing there is unnecessary circuitry there as well. My (uneducated) reasoning is that the Adcom pre-amp/tuner was designed for 2-channel (audiophile, more or less) listening, and thus would have fewer and higher quality components, geared to that purpose. Also, the Adcom was made in the U.S., which I automatically assume (???) means better quality than the Malasyian-made (ughh)Integra. I've always heard the more direct the path, the better for the audio signal; I guess the ears will be the judge. Someone tell me I did the right thing...
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