>>What type of improvements should I expect by going to a dedicated two channel preamp over my current Denon processor.<<
Hmmm. Thats a bit vague man, so Id say for sure, Different?
and in that difference one will say better worse, or simply different.
Perhaps a better Q could be posed if some more info were mentioned. Price range of preamp & Designs of the short list of pres
.
Better still might be just what or where do you wish to wind up regarding the overall sound? Fatter? Richer? Fuller? Faster? More bottom end? Greater extension? SS? Tubes?
>>Can a higher end Processor like the Denon, Anthem, or Classe provide a two channel experience comparable to a dedicated two channel preamp. <<
Maybe. Though Id suspect not. Not against a dedicated analog preamp, but the price of it too means something. Again, were stuck in the proverbial subjective accounts loop, here and in need of further info.
For me, Ive found a very good preamp is very very, important! IF one will be running more than a single source for sure, but mostly because of the influence of the more upscale dedicated preamp on the music.
The preamps voicing of the end product is unmistakeable if its truly a great preamp. This change of the systems voice too will depend on your own parameters and preffs for what allures you when in 2 ch mode, and of course the preamp you select to gain such ends.
Easiest way IMHO to add one to an existing HT array is finding one with HT Bypass functinos. ALSO Id say keeping as close to neutrality and as quick a one too are needed attributes for film and TV.
Many of the latest line stage preamps even tubed ones sound more and more like SS preamps to me today
. And theres the rub for myself. In stereo mode Im usually reeled into the listening event by a far different presentation than what most SS preamps or processors will yield.
There was a review of a couple of mid to uppoer end receivers posted online and one of them was a Parasound, the other I think was a Marantz.
Their preamps were compared to two or three other line stages of varying prices. $2K $4.5K & $ a lot more
a whole lot more!
The final points were that of all five of the preamps under fire, two HT recs, and 3 preamps, active and passive of less and well more expense
. That none were bad at all, and in some instances the HT units were on par with each of the other 3 dedicated preamps
to some degree.
So all were different, and subjectively as good or better here and there and the selection of Whos on First remained a users choice affair.
Were it me looking for another preamp for such an end, Id look at the upper end preamps from JE, VTL, BAT, Thor, VAC, etc. All of which include glass. Theres others of course but youve got to figure out just what you want in the reproduction of a 2 ch signal first
. And which amp, though Id keep hold of your 600 given how you see current or future acquisitions. Theres nothing wrong with that piece. .. land certainly not yet. Its stable, powerful, and works well in either balanced or SE mode using adapters.
Id begin by trying out (buying) myself either a dedicated SS line stage, or a tubed one of moderate expense. $2K or so, or equal to the value of that proc youre using now
doing that should give you some better insight as to what is to be expected. $1500 to $2000 on a ded preamp definitely will open your eyes.
Very good luck
