What to do: upgrade amp or buy pre-amp


Im very curious what my spkrs will sound like if i changed to an Audio Research Ref 210 monoblock setup OR buy the Ref 5 preamp? Currently running media PC via transparent digital Spdif to wyred for sound DAC to Levinson 331 amp to Dynaudio C4 with REL G2 for low freq. So what would you guys upgrade? Ill most lukely pickup whichever piece i don't buy in the next 6 to 12 months but don't want to splurge all at once.
chenglo1

Showing 2 responses by zd542

You're talking about some very revealing components that are not cheap. At this level, system matching is everything. Have you tried any of these components in your system? ARC makes some good products, but results are not consistent.

My advice would be to get a preamp since you don't have one, and you'll have an easier time matching components to a system that has a preamp. Also, don't buy anything unless you can demo it first.
" However its only rated at 100 watts rms and the Dynes are rated at 400 watts. I felt guilty not providing them with more power from a more modern amp."

There's no standard for measuring watts. So if you take 10 different amps all rated at 100 watts/channel and measure them the same, every one of them will put out a different amount of power. Also, you may not be reading the specs right with regards to the speakers needing 400 watts. Its probably for transients, not continuous. The easiest way to tell if you need more power is to do some listening. If the amp is straining, you'll hear it.

" Would i get a noticeable difference and or warmer sound with the ref5se?"

There's no way to tell without trying it. If you are looking for a more traditional, classic sounding preamp, ARC is probably not the best choice.

"Would you guys still recommend using wyred DAC to connect to ref5se?"

Any answer you get on that will just be a guess.

"Im thinking it makes more sense to upgrade 1 component at a time so it's easier to hear the difference. Any thoughts appreciated. "

It sounds like a good idea, but its really not a plan for success. There's a huge difference between buying components and building a system. Can you name a system in your price range that you would be happy with?