Hi Chris
Pure Direct mode disables the video and tone control circuitry, but the signal must go through the Denon's built-in selector switches, volume control and line-level preamp.
So in fact, you are comparing two preamps in series to one preamp (Denon).
If you hear no deterioration of sound quality when adding the AI preamp plus one interconnect, then the AI preamp is doing a great job.
I suggest that you buy a power amp and assemble a second system around your CD player and preamp, strictly for two channel music.
In general, A/V receivers are not optimized to play music, their signal path is too complex. They are designed to do dialogue and movie sound effects pretty well.
I hope this helps
Pure Direct mode disables the video and tone control circuitry, but the signal must go through the Denon's built-in selector switches, volume control and line-level preamp.
So in fact, you are comparing two preamps in series to one preamp (Denon).
If you hear no deterioration of sound quality when adding the AI preamp plus one interconnect, then the AI preamp is doing a great job.
I suggest that you buy a power amp and assemble a second system around your CD player and preamp, strictly for two channel music.
In general, A/V receivers are not optimized to play music, their signal path is too complex. They are designed to do dialogue and movie sound effects pretty well.
I hope this helps