2. amps-preamps
  3. 1110212572

Preamp or Amp?

I started a thread that has gotten no responses so I've started another one. Hopefully this is much more direct. I have a simaudio intergrated amp. Would I hear a difference moving up from an i-3 to a higher i-5 or Classe' 151 OR would I be best to move my budget up slightly and begin the trek down the seperates road.

Does the Preamp effect the overall presentation of a system more then the amp? I will be using Polk Audio LSi15 speakers. At what level of separates will I hear a significant improvement in sound quality? I've been doing some light reading, and have read up on some preamps the Copland 305, some CJ units...regardless of what I buy down the road, it will be used. Can a Jeff Rowland concentra or SimAudio i5 really keep up with most separates? I've been told by a few people they can. I'm not sure if it matters but the source is a John Wright modiffed Museatex DAC/transport combo.

I like the idea of simple one box solutions, not to mention the money saved on wiring. But a few people on this forum have told me if I like the sonic signiture of the LSi speakers, perhaps maybe it's time to look at getting a dedicated amp/pre-amp for further improvements, if thats the case which should I get first, the amp or preamp?
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Showing 1 response by dynaudio_rules

dynaudio_rules
1 posts
 
The whole system is a synergy of wire, resistors, caps, etc...each playing some role in the over-all sound. Each component can make a difference, including the wire. Amps can give you more or less of what it is being fed, but pre-amps seem to give depth, attack, pitch [speed], soundstage effects more than other electronic components.

A top notch pre amps abilities will not be fully realized with a sub-grade amp or speakers, or with sub-grade interconnects for that matter.

This is the audiophiles dilema and the audio products makers cash-cow.
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