Which one defines sound: Pre amp or Power amp?


I'm just wondering which component would influence the sound that comes out of the speakers more?

I have a Rotel 5chx120w 8 ohm power amp, Yamaha rxv1800 receiver and Energy RC-70 speakers for HT. I'm trying to make use of what I have and want to dable in a 2-channel setup.
Here are my options:

a) Buy a Mcintosh mc 252 power amp and use my receiver as the pre-amp.
b) Buy a Mcintosh c2200 pre amp and use my current amp(Rotel).

Which one would yield me a better overall sound?
veltraz81

Showing 1 response by robsker

For what it is worth, most audiophiles will tell you that changing out the weakest link will make the biggest difference on overall sound. Thus, if your amp is the weak link, changing it out will make the most difference. If it is the preamp that is the weak link, swapping the preamp will make the most difference.

The post that said that 95% of the sound is room, speakers and source material is embellishing somewhat... but not that far off. I'd say it is 70% and that ones CD player is 15% and amp/preamp is about 10% and interconnects/cables are 5%.