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Entry level dedicated preamp vs. reciever preamp

Hi folks,

I have recently added a tube cd player and quicksilver mini-mite tube monoblocks to my two channel setup. My last decision is whether I should replace my denon avr-3803 receiver which is being used as a preamp in order to buy a parasound 2100 or emotiva usp-1. I've heard it argued that in order to get an obvious improvement in sound over the receiver preamp, I would have to spend over $1k for a dedicated preamp.

I cross over my paradigm signature S2 bookshelfs at 100hz to my rythmik sub and the sound is seamless. I intend continue using by behringer BFD to EQ the lows and an adjustable high pass crossover is important to me. My receiver, the parasound, and the denon all offer the adjustable crossover. There are not many preamps out there that offer the sub out and crossover unfortunately.

Thanks in advance.
cooljazzcat
cooljazzcat OP
17 posts
 
I tested the Audyssey in various high end receivers and the result was much less effective than the manual control I had over the BFD. Second, the Audyssey affected my tone in the mids and highs because of the additional analog to digital to analog conversion. My present denon receiver keeps everything in the analog domain (expect for the bass), which it sends to a digital crossover. Typically, most 2 channel purists like to keep things analog, hence the existance of analog preamps.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Get a good 2 channel preamp, it won't color the music like your reciever will (I had that same reciever, and now have the 3808ci), and you will be shocked at the sound.

I love the S2's, I think it's crazy to look at almost any other monitor, especially more expensive ones, once you had heard them. Just a great speaker.

I still like my original advice, if you need a crossover for your sub, get a Behringer, they are a great buy. Also, room correction software, and crossovers are great for movies, not music, in my experience. I finally bought a Rel sub so I could use it for both. It too forever to get the crossover set correctly for 2 channel, but it was well worth it.

Good luck.
cooljazzcat OP
17 posts
 
Macdadtexas,
Would you care to compare the sound between the 3803 and the 3808? Had denon really inproved the 2 channel that much? Have you compared any entry level preamps to the 3808, if so how do they compare? thanks
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I seldom listen to my reciever in 2 channel. My preamp (Cary SLP98p F-1) has HT bypass, and when ever I use the reciever it's to watch video only, be it TV or Movies.

All music goes through the Cary preamp. That said, the only difference that I can tell between the Denon models is the set up program and graphical user interface is much better/easier in the newer model, and it has video switching for HDMI. They both sounded v good.

To let you know the difference in sound quality though, and this is very telling, my wife when I am not home, will actully turn on the Cary preamp when listening to music through AppleTV because of the improvment in sound.

good luck.
cooljazzcat OP
17 posts
 
I think I understand Macadtexas. You are saying that the denons sound alike instead of the 3803 being better than the 3803.

That's an amazing cary preamp you have there. I am sure it cost over $3k at least.

So we know now that preamps at that price level will DRAMATICALLY outperform receivers.

Hopefully someone can comment on sub $1k preamps such as the parasound 2100.
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