Adding a power amp to an integrated: Disadvantages?

[davetroy]

I am currently running a pair of Vandersteen 2ces through a Rotel integrated amp (RA-1062). The integrated has a pair of pre-outs, and I'm thinking of adding a power amp to the system. But I have some questions:

1. Are there disadvantages to using an integrated as a pre-amp for a power amp?
2. Does it matter if the power amp is made by the same company as the integrated?
3. In general, what's more important: the pre-amp or the power amp?

I'm sure these are very novice questions, but I'd appreciate your help. We like the musacility (is that a word?) of our current combination but feel it could use a little more depth and weight. But we don't want to sacrifice the clarity we're currently getting.

Thanks

 

[Nick250]

Not sure if I know what you mean by depth and weight but here are my views on the other stuff.

1. Not unless you are unhappy with the existing with the pre amp in the integrated.

2. No

3. Pre-amp, though IMO we are picking nits here.

Have you treated your listening room? Really noticeably improvements are found there. Bass traps made a night and day difference in my system.

Nick

 

[davetroy]

No, Nick, we haven't treated our listening room, although I suspect, because you've responded to a few of my recent other postings, that you think that's where money and time might be better spent. I guess the reason most people don't go for the acoustics solution is because it seems so much more difficult and involves lots of trial and error; most people would rather find a solution that just involves plunking down a piece of equipment.

Another problem: acoustic solutions don't seem to be very wife friendly.

That said, I thought we had a pretty good room for acoustics: High, vaulted, wood, beamed ceilings; carpet on the floor. The room is about 18 x 18. Perhaps the problem is the amount of windows in the room; one big, long one behind the speakers, another decent-sized one off to the side. Echoing isn't a problem. Maybe I should call in an acoustics expert. Is there such a thing for houses?

 

[Nick250]

Nick, we haven't treated our listening room, although I suspect, because you've responded to a few of my recent other postings, that you think that's where money and time might be better spent. I guess the reason most people don't go for the acoustics solution is because it seems so much more difficult and involves lots of trial and error; most people would rather find a solution that just involves plunking down a piece of equipment.
Another problem: acoustic solutions don't seem to be very wife friendly.

I think you have diagnosed the situation spot on.

That said, I thought we had a pretty good room for acoustics: High, vaulted, wood, beamed ceilings; carpet on the floor. The room is about 18 x 18. Perhaps the problem is the amount of windows in the room; one big, long one behind the speakers, another decent-sized one off to the side. Echoing isn't a problem. Maybe I should call in an acoustics expert. Is there such a thing for houses?

There are. In my case I sent Glen from GIK a floor plan and felt comfortable working out a plan for my space via phone. Ethan, whose company's name escapes at the moment does the same sort of thing. They both participate here on Audioholics. It depends on one's comfort level with this sort of thing. For me, doing it myself is fun.

Your room is pretty unique, perhaps others can comment further.

Nick

 

[mike c]

Ethan Winer : Realtraps

I figure you can buy the traps from either Gikacoustics or realtraps and then wrap it some cloth that the wife uses for curtains anyway.