2. amps-preamps
  3. 1056044787

Using Denon 3803 as pre/pro a good idea?

I'm new to this website so excuse my ignorance in advance...
I've recently pulled my old separates (PS Audio 4.6/B&K ST140) and installed a Denon 3803 as the financial burden of purchasing full separates for HT was more than I could talk the wife into. I'm running B&W CDM 7NT's, a CNT, and 1NT's for surround with a Sony CDP700(?) via optical to the Denon. Movies are more than acceptable but music reproduction has suffered. I'm considering hooking up my ST140 to the front L/R and running in "Pure Direct". I'm mainly trying to improve the sweetness of the sound and dynamics that seem to be missing using the Denon. I should say that I've only had the system running for about 4 weeks so burn-in may not be complete. An audiophile friend opined that hooking up the B&K would be a bad idea, especially during movies, as it will present different amperage(?) loads (sorry, can't remember as he was waaay above my head) to the pre/pro while using the inline amps for center/surr. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated
topspeed
6 responses Add your response
topspeed OP
10 posts
 
God, things were so much easier before HT...
Terrific advice that I hadn't even considered, however one of the reasons I bought the Denon was to utilize its DACs as the Sony's are pretty frightening for music (hence the optical connection). I'm on the verge of purchasing a Denon DVD2900 (or similar product if any of you have a suggestion) and when I do I may go your route. Question: I'm not running separate DVD and CD players (out of space) so how do I get the signal back up to 3803 for HT or am I missing something here?
leasingguy
20 posts
 
You don't need to do any unplugging. Just run a cable from the Pre-amp out of the Denon into any input on your analog 2 channel preamp. Hook your CD player directly into your 2 channel preamp so when listing to music, the Denon doesn't need to be powered on. Lot's of preamps have a Home Theater pass through but it's not necessary. Just set the volume level on your preamp to a predetermined level (unity gain) and calibrate your HT receiver.
pe3046
120 posts
 
I have done this with a 2801 and rotel/acurus amps and had better results, but then I switched to a sony 9000es pre/amp and digital sources sounded very good but music was still to bright. Installed line stage ps audio 6.0 pre and run the inputs into my 9000esn 5 channel amp's second input and there is no comparison. The analog pre is much better for music.
toonsurge
20 posts
 
I've got the 3802 and want to do the same thing.

Should I invest my whole budget on a quality amp with a lot of power for my Paradigm Studio 100 v2 fronts and use the pre-outs on the receiver.

Or would you guys suggest less of an amp and a new preamp to switch back and forth like sstark does?

I've got about $1500 to spend.

(or would you keep the AV like it is and add a better subwoofer)
topspeed OP
10 posts
 
SStark,
Are you actually unplugging your amps and speaker wires to your L/R to your AVR and switching in your pre-amp? What kind by the way? I'm hoping you have an easier solution.
sstark
63 posts
 
I use a Denon AVR with B&K monoblocks M200 for the fronts pre out. No problem at all. The Denon just has that much more power for the ohter channels. For stereo I use a tube pre to the B&K switching it out from the Denon.
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