2. amps-preamps
  3. 155855-4917

Does a modern pre-amp sound better than an old one?

I have had a Primare P30 Processor for 17 years, using it control 5 Genelec active monitors and 2 REL subwoofers. It still has nearly all the functionality that I need, except for room correction. Connections are balanced. I am wondering whether it might be worthwhile to upgrade to something more modern, with a budget of around £2,000. Would, for example, the Marantz AV8805 give me a noticeably better sound? Most of it´s other features (13 outs, Atmos etc.) would be redundant. Thanks
garbo

Showing 3 responses by garbo

garbo OP
27 posts
 
Thanks. As the processor includes a DAC, I would like to include the question of whether DAC´s have improved over the last 20 years. If so, should one invest in a modern DAC and place that before the old pre-amp?

garbo OP
27 posts
 
Thanks. Listening would of course be best, but is limited by access to hardware. If DACs have improved, and the rest of the processor not, maybe it makes sense to buy a new external DAC rather than an entire processor. Not being able to listen beforehand, I am reticent to buy something which may not perceptibly improve anything, the perennial problem.

garbo OP
27 posts
 
Just to let you know that I ended up ordering a new DAC, the new version of the RME ADI-2 DAC. It has balanced outs and can feed through the Primare in by-pass mode. Thanks for your comments.

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