Do I need a preamp/processor?


Hi everyone, 

Home theater is new to me so I need assistance. The question I have is do I need a HT preamp/processor to properly listen to movies (DVD, streaming etc)?  I currently have a 2 channel system using a Red Dragon S500 amplifier, Schiit SYS preamp, and Kef ls50 speakers.  I’m mainly streaming Tidal through a Sonos Connect which is connected to the preamp via rca.

 I would like to add in the capability to listen to movies through the ls50s and Red Dragon. I’m currently doing it by running a toslink cable to an external DAC then rca to the preamplifier, then rca to the amp. The hook up works but it doesn’t sound that great. 

I was planning on upgrading my preamp anyway, and it was suggested that a HT preamp/processor might be a good alternative. It sounds very appealing since it would do double duty for me. However I’m still vacillating between the two choices since some nice 2 channel preamps pop up every so often.  

Please help!

autre

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

A Processor preamp is for decoding and sending the correct info to the different channels 5.1 or 7.1.

(Unless you plan on getting more speakers and more amplifiers to drive them you can get by without)

Using your 2 channel setup with LS50’s:

I would change up the source. Invest in a Oppo universal player/DAC, the BDP 105 and other models have variable volume control so I think you could hook it directly to your Red Dragon or still use the Schiit. Once you have a great source you can build from there and add to it. EXAMPLE: you could add a music server because the Oppo is a DAC already and a dam good one with USB 2.0 audio input it can be easily connected to anything! , the Oppo's sound is so good it is Stereophile rated class A (BDP105) with dual audio outs XLR and RCA connections. Did I mention it up samples (using some of the best video circuitry on the planet) all your DVD’s to 4K! Oppo makes many models for all budgets.

You could also use a PS4pro as a source it is only $400 and has digital (optical) audio outs so u can use a outboard dac then to your system pre amp , It is a great universal player, video/music streamer and with Playstation Vue u can get all ur TV shows as well.

Matt M