Entry level dedicated preamp vs. reciever preamp

Macdadtexas,
Would you care to compare the sound between the 3803 and the 3808? Had denon really inproved the 2 channel that much? Have you compared any entry level preamps to the 3808, if so how do they compare? thanks

I guess where I have a challenge is how to find a preamp which has a sub out and adjustable crossover. Because of room dimensions, I cross over at 100 hz, and as I mentioned, my rythmik sub is sealed servo and it is seamless. I sold my S8 towers because I could not manage the bass and added the EQ. My room response is now completely flat.

If I add a preamp which does not have the sub out and adjustable crossover, I will have the same room problems again. This is why I am interested in those particular units, but if anyone has experience with crossing over their speakers some other way, I am open for suggestions.

thanks.

Would someone please comment if the parasound and the emotiva are a step up over the receiver unit? thanks

I tested the Audyssey in various high end receivers and the result was much less effective than the manual control I had over the BFD. Second, the Audyssey affected my tone in the mids and highs because of the additional analog to digital to analog conversion. My present denon receiver keeps everything in the analog domain (expect for the bass), which it sends to a digital crossover. Typically, most 2 channel purists like to keep things analog, hence the existance of analog preamps.

I think I understand Macadtexas. You are saying that the denons sound alike instead of the 3803 being better than the 3803.

That's an amazing cary preamp you have there. I am sure it cost over $3k at least.

So we know now that preamps at that price level will DRAMATICALLY outperform receivers.

Hopefully someone can comment on sub $1k preamps such as the parasound 2100.

Thinks for the link for the preamp.

Regarding the match of S2 and tube amp, you wrote:

"Based on the impedance curve of your speakers: http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/705paradigm/index3.html it seems that they would be a relatively poor match for tube amps."

Funny, I actually ran that impedance chart past quicksilver and the owner said that it wouldn't be an issue. There are countless testimonials of S2 owners using low powered tube amps with success. Second, since I cross them over at 100hz, my reserves are huge. Third, there is a very brief dip below 4ohms but the majority is above 8 ohms. This amp plays effortlessly and loudly at my seating position 8 ft away. Granted the S2's are not as easy to drive as the ultra efficient 94db speakers, but I am confident that they are more balanced and offer advantages that the latter do not have, but that is another thread.

Stereophile:
"Its impedance (fig.1) dips briefly below 4 ohms in the lower midrange, reaching a minimum of 3.6 ohms at 180Hz, but stays above 8 ohms for much of the audioband. Even with a combination of 5.2 ohms impedance and –40º capacitive phase angle in the upper bass at 112Hz, the Paradigm will not be too demanding a load for its partnering amplifier to drive."