another rookie question - preamp or or power amp

thanks @noromance 

@stringreen yes, I am trying to go for Parasound. But I shall look at cheaper options too

@mahgister Dynadio evokes

@audphile1 @stuartk

I thought separates were the better direction. But I understand the rationale.

My logic is, I am trying to upgrade one tiny step at a time. First I would get a better power amp or better preamp than what’s inside my current integrated, and then the other component. E.g. when my current integrated sells.

Right now, I couldn’t buy an integrated that’s a step up in any aspect, but $400 on the used market could buy me a decent power amp or preamp,

@mahgister Merry Christmas to you too!

@ozzy62 right. I know it won't buy much. I thought a Parasound 2125 power amp, the Parasound P3 would be an upgrade.

@mesch it's a Denon receiver. It has what I prefer, it's 2 channel, no phono, with preamp, sounds great. I am looking for a little warmer sound and power = more effortless mids

@audphile1 I see. I don't think a used Hegel H190 will go under $3000 in the near future, I checked hifishark. That's almost 8 times my budget. 

I guess I can conclude that for my budget I can't do much. Still, I was curious if preamp or amp would yield the bigger improvement. 

Another consideration is, I sold some old gear, I have about $400, if I don't use it, it will be gone soon. A pipe will break, a medical need or emergency trip will arise, etc. it will be used for a necessity  

Thanks again everyone!

@audphile1 as I wrote above it’s a 2 channel denon receiver, from the 90s, with a preamp out. 50Watts into 8Ohm

@knotscott I am trying trying trying the separates route but everyone pushes back :)

@dekay thanks!

@mahgister the Sansui looks awesome!

thanks @ellajeanelle I was hoping to get one component for about $400, to upgrade and then later on upgrade the other component

@immatthewj I did think about buying a preamp from the big retailers for around a $1500 on a credit card. I think it's a good idea actually because it would show me if there is a difference. The downside is that once I return it, I would have to go for an older version of it, because the latest one would still cost more on the used market. E.g., Parasound P3 vs P6, but still, it would get me going.  But your advice is so far the best one, for my limited knowledge and budget.   

@tomic601 you are Santa :) I will follow up, thank you

I go to Stereo Unlimited once a month or so to clean records. And they do have a lot of nice used gear. I haven't approached them with an offer lower than the posted price, but good idea!

@curiousjim 

Wow. Exactly, Thank you!

I have been looking at the different combinations and wondered why some integrateds have the main input and the preamp our and then connected with a dongle vs. just the preamp. That's how ignorant I am. I don't have a main in.

@stuartk I understand. Given how "budget" my current amp is, it could be an improvement though - or so I thought.

I already have had a lot of help here and I think I will be on the right track. 

@audiotroy yes the NuPrime looks solid! 

@lanx0003 I have been looking at the Parasound 2125 at an auction which is why I mentioned it

@shtinkydog close! I will message you, I am already experimenting with the higher quality sound thanks to a generous member

@jnovak @unsound 

it seems to be opposing views to me - no preamp vs best preamp but I know the devil is in the details.

Thank you for all the feedback, it gives me a lot of different options and approaches to try!

Parasound 2125 power amp, is NOT available at $400

thanks @tomic601 Holiday spirit indeed :)

@coltrane1 yes, several people suggested that. However I went down a path of buying inexpensive stuff that I am now trying to match with a higher quality component. (My wife thinks I am hoarding but I have seen my neighbor's garages.)

It’s a fun journey, I am not in a hurry, I have already been very blessed with hardware offered and loaned to me from generous members here. I could also just sell what I have and buy a better integrated. I never had a preamp so I was curious what it would do (apparently a lot).

At this point I don’t think my budget is the biggest issue, figuring out what would improve my current system is.