2. amps-preamps
  3. 185078-172731

Amp vs Preamp which is more important?

I am considering changing my amp/preamp combination and as I think about budget, I am wondering if one of these components should get more focus. My other question is if these components, even separates can never be considered in isolation but are always part of a pair working together.

I thought there must be a thread on this, but I couldn't find it. Feel free to respond with it here and I will shut this thread down.

Thanks!

saulh
overthemoon
402 posts
 

Valid question- don’t know your current set up or what sound you’re looking to create. 
 

Preamps are evolving since there are many including phono stage, DAC and sometimes streaming. 

saulh OP
52 posts
 

Fair point, I mostly listen to analog jazz, blues and classic folk rock and r&b.

Current setup:

  • pre  ARC sp-16L
  • power Art Audio PX-25
  • phono stage Icon Audio PS1 MkII
  • TT - Luxman PD-444
  • CD - Ayre Audio CX-5
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,193 posts
 

You have an $18K amp paired with a $2K preamp.  While I've not owned either product, I would bet there's a good likelihood that the entry level preamp is holding back your high end amp.  I'd only be looking to change out the preamp, unless the amp is not a good fit for your speakers.

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,503 posts
 

The amp is far more important. Why? Because there are many components that one can use with the amp that have preamp capability and functions. Many will keep the signal path simpler and negate the need for a preamp.

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