2. amps-preamps
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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
 
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.
Post removed 
cooljazzcat OP
17 posts
 
Thinks for the link for the preamp.

Regarding the match of S2 and tube amp, you wrote:

"Based on the impedance curve of your speakers: http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/705paradigm/index3.html it seems that they would be a relatively poor match for tube amps."

Funny, I actually ran that impedance chart past quicksilver and the owner said that it wouldn't be an issue. There are countless testimonials of S2 owners using low powered tube amps with success. Second, since I cross them over at 100hz, my reserves are huge. Third, there is a very brief dip below 4ohms but the majority is above 8 ohms. This amp plays effortlessly and loudly at my seating position 8 ft away. Granted the S2's are not as easy to drive as the ultra efficient 94db speakers, but I am confident that they are more balanced and offer advantages that the latter do not have, but that is another thread.

Stereophile:
"Its impedance (fig.1) dips briefly below 4 ohms in the lower midrange, reaching a minimum of 3.6 ohms at 180Hz, but stays above 8 ohms for much of the audioband. Even with a combination of 5.2 ohms impedance and –40º capacitive phase angle in the upper bass at 112Hz, the Paradigm will not be too demanding a load for its partnering amplifier to drive."
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