2. amps-preamps
  3. 170184-115375

To pre-amp. or not to pre-amp!

Audio bloggers:
 I was hoping to get some insight into a tough question, or i suppose it is tough question for me.. I have a Willsenton R8 tube amp., sounds pretty damn good without rolling the homegrown KT88 thus far but it is a future endeavor. So, I decided to get another SS amp. so i can enjoy both tube and SS and not burn up expensive tubes (once i take the plunge) whilst using tube amp. for other generic utilities. And, It could be i just want both. Up for consideration is Hegel H390 or, Hegel H20 since i have a pre-amp (Schiit Freya+) and a Denafrips Ares II which will be replaced by the Denafrips Pontus II soon. I will also put the Node 2021 version in the chain in the near future. I am leaning towards keeping separates so the H20 is probably the way to go unless an integrated has benefits. That is my question, get the Hegel H390 or H20? Thanks for your consideration & input.  
mrdon
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
A cheap preamp is a wobbler, a good preamp is a no-brainer. Get a good pre, your system will thank you. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,510 posts
 
H20
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Hegel H20 has very low input impedance at 10k , and will need a nice low output impedance active solid state preamp, as most tube and passive preamps will not like the 10k loading.

Cheers George
ghdprentice
6,475 posts
 
Yes preamp. The higher quality the better the sound. Preamps are really important and if you want great sound the more you invest the better… like all components.
mrdon OP
107 posts
 
Well, since George made mention of the impedance issue i now have to consider the Hegel P20, (george is not a friend of your wallet, be for warned).. However, that could be the best thing to have happened in this whole span of looking into upgrading. Imagine, if you will a Hegel H20 paired to a Hegel P20. That's right, the twilight zone will open up a sonic portal....    
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