2. amps-preamps
  3. 187580-166623

another rookie question - preamp or or power amp

I have a decent integrated amp ("decent" - to my ears). SS, 50Watts to 8 Ohms. It  has a preamp output. 

I have been looking at used power amps and preamps in the 2-400 dollar range.  

For example: the Parasound 2125 power amp, the Parasound P3

This is an OR question. Which choice will yield a better improvement,

1) if I put a preamp before my integrated so the integrated acts as the power amp

or 2) if I use my integrated as a preamp to a power amp?

It's also a choice to sell my integrated and save up until I can buy both a power amp and a preamp, but obviously I am itching to try one of the above options. 

My room is 15x13 so I am not sure I need a big power amp (big: 100Watts?)

 

grislybutter

Showing 4 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,839 posts
 

OR for the same $ our intrepid OP could get a GAS Son of Ampzilla and get a nice robust linear power supply vs. SMPS … 48 v or no…

Just my opinion…

 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,839 posts
 

loving the offer of the P3 :-) Holiday spirit y’all !

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,839 posts
 

Also…. those in San Diego looking for used gear would do well to troll thru Stereo Unlimited from time to time… hundred or so used components at any given time

Not exactly Craigslist pricing…. but often close… and they consider offers….

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,839 posts
 

Frankly, i’ve built many amazingly good systems around a lowly NAD 3020 A Integrated and eventually adding a more robust power amp….. BUT by putting the bigger $ into the transducers ; cartridge and speakers.

One such combo: Denon DP-47F > Grado Sonata > NAD 3020A > Vandersteen 1’s

BUT i understand the itch to try and learn by doing….

Lets coordinate for loan of a tube Belles preamp, so you can evaluate the change, scratch the itch and not be out any $…..

Jim

 

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