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
6 responses Add your response
gill_92's avatar
gill_92
28 posts
 
It depends, not always true that new products outperform the old ones.
I heard several vintage stuff, of course, all in perfect electrical conditions, destroy modern audio stuff.
For example, take the AGI 511, it has long been regarded as an unsurpassed preamplifier.
I had one that I foolishly sold, and I can confirm that its Phono section has literally surpassed tons of modern phono amps I had.
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?

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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I used a Primare SP 30 for years, and thought it would be tough to beat. It finally died, and I bought an Arcam AV 9 preamp-processor (used, for $700), and it sounds better than the SP 30. My Esoteric DV-60 uni-player went TU, and I bought a nice, used Arcam DV 139 uni-player, and it stomped all over what the Esoteric could do.

I would say yes, DACs have improved.
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
I'd say you should really listen. It has varied a lot over time. My old Theta Casanova spanked a lot of DAC's, and popular modern processors for pure sound quality.

Room correction is useful, but not essential. What it does best is integrate the subwoofer for you, and tweak the center channel which may not be ideally located (like on a shelf).

I really like the Anthem processors.

Best,

E
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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