Are the pre-amp stages of the top 3 models from Yamaha and D&M discrete or are they ICs?

[3db]

In the analog stage of the pre-amps, does anyone know if theses manufactures use discrete devices or chipsets?

 

[PENG]

In the analog stage of the pre-amps, does anyone know if theses manufactures use discrete devices or chipsets?

ICs, even the A-S801 uses an IC, and the volume control is an outdated/discontinued LSI (large scale integrated) IC.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What is the "Top 3 models"?

The Yamaha C-5000, A-S3200, A-S2200?

 

[PENG]

What is the "Top 3 models"?

The Yamaha C-5000, A-S3200, A-S2200?

Good question, I shouldn't have assumed he meant the preamps of the AVRs and AVCs. I included the A-S801 only because I consider that lower model of Yamaha's integrated is sort of AVR derived. The higher models are what I would consider "real", or more conventional integrated amps.

 

[PENG]

If 3 dB is asking about two channel models, Yamaha is the only one still making a separate preamplifier. D+M seems to have stopped making those real separates, so we can only look at their integrated amps.

For top models:

Yamaha: C5000, $9,999.95, a real separate preamplifier.

Denon: PMA-SX1 limited, Y780,000, approx. $7,400, rated 50 W/100 W, 8/4 Ohm, fully balanced, have balanced input, unbalanced output, sold in Japan.

Marantz: PM-10, $7,999, rated 200 W/400 W, 8/4 ohm, have balanced in/output.

At the ridiculous price points of those audiophile products, I find it hard to imagine any ICs will be used in the pramp stages, or any stage at all in any of them.

The Denon is only rated 50 W, so may as well consider it a high output preamp lol..

 

[tealcomp]

I just love looking at those backlit analog guages LOL; for me it just is so cool. Then again, I grew up around that kind of hardware in my early years, kinda like Otari reel to reels.

 

[3db]

I meant for AVRs. My bad for not stating that.

 

[Irvrobinson]

In the analog stage of the pre-amps, does anyone know if theses manufactures use discrete devices or chipsets?

Which would you prefer? I'll take ICs anytime.

 

[slipperybidness]

Which would you prefer? I'll take ICs anytime.

Audiophiles love discrete, measurements suggest IC are superior.