I guess you answered my question. Yes, there are pre amps that are equal to or better than the tech offered in the yamaha. It just kinda bothered me buying a Receiver when I was looking for a pre. Then using that receiver as a pre. Plus it's only a $1200 rec. SO i felt it was a step down from my Rotel pre. I feel as if I'm paying for stuff I don't use. But the cost is so low it doesn't matter as long as the part I do use is hi-end.
It's sound is harsh & fatiguing, hollow & lacks mid but manageable until I get my Rotel RMB 1095 repaired. I'm running 5 Paradigm ref V2, 100, CC, & 40. So I guess I should stop stressing about thinking I cheaped out on buying the A4A.
