Is there a very tangible benefit to switching to a dedicated pre-amp?

[chest_burster]

Until recently I'd been using a Harman AVR 247 to drive a 5.1 channel setup, but I decided I preferred listening to a good 2CH setup. With this in mind, I bought a NAD C270 which I have hooked up to Infinity Primus 362 fronts.

I'm using all analog ICs from my sources and the AVR is basically functioning as a 2CH front-end with convenient video switching and iPod integration. Is there any reason to switch this out for a dramatic increase in fidelity?

 

[fmw]

Very unlikely. Preamps these days are audibly transparent whether they are a part of a receiver or not. The exception would be a tube preamp which would add some audible harmonic distortion (hence "warmth" or darkness) to the audio chain.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Until recently I'd been using a Harman AVR 247 to drive a 5.1 channel setup, but I decided I preferred listening to a good 2CH setup. With this in mind, I bought a NAD C270 which I have hooked up to Infinity Primus 362 fronts.

I'm using all analog ICs from my sources and the AVR is basically functioning as a 2CH front-end with convenient video switching and iPod integration. Is there any reason to switch this out for a dramatic increase in fidelity?

No.

I've own the HK247. I compared it to my Pioneer Elite pre-pro and my Acurus RL11 class-A analog preamp. The HK actually sounded better in 2Ch stereo than the Elite pre-pro. I don't think there was any significant improvement with the Acurus preamp. There could have been a slight improvement in terms of clarity with the Acurus, but overall both the HK & Acurus were very similar in sound.

But you said you already bought the NAD preamp? So are you thinking of returning the NAD?

 

[chest_burster]

Thanks, that's good to hear.

I also figure that my gear, while very good for its price, may not be as revealing as the megabuck stuff.

 

[chest_burster]

But you said you already bought the NAD preamp? So are you thinking of returning the NAD?

No, the NAD C270 is a power amp I bought off Audiogon last week, though I think NAD makes a pre-amp with a similar model number. The price was right and I'd always wanted to try out a separate amp.

Thanks for all the info on the comparisons, too.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

No, the NAD C270 is a power amp I bought off Audiogon last week, though I think NAD makes a pre-amp with a similar model number. The price was right and I'd always wanted to try out a separate amp.

Thanks for all the info on the comparisons, too.

You welcome.

Yeah, I really liked that HK247.

Before I got the HK receiver, I thought for sure that all preamps sounded better than all receivers. I think years ago that might have been the case. But that HK247 changed my mind. It was extremely clear sounding. Technology has improved significantly.

The only reason I chose to use separates is because of my own "personality".

I think that's what it comes down to these days when it comes to separates vs receivers. Yeah, separate amps are great. But most of the time, it all comes down to personality and personal preference.

 

[chest_burster]

I would be more interested in the matching NAD preamp if it wasn't $600 or so for a volume knob and some inputs... kidding... sort of.

Still, part of my "personality" would also be stoked to have a separate pre, but I'll listen and live with what I have for a long while before making any rash decisions, especially considering the feature set and convenience of an AVR pre.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...Still, part of my "personality" would also be stoked to have a separate pre...

"Once you give in to the Darkside, forever will it consume your destiny..."

...And costs you thousands of dollars $$.

 

[mtrycrafts]

.... The exception would be a tube preamp which would add some audible harmonic distortion (hence "warmth" or darkness) to the audio chain.

Or a passive pre amp that some just drool over

 

[PENG]

The only reason I chose to use separates is because of my own "personality".

Yeah, separate amps are great. But most of the time, it all comes down to personality and personal preference.

And that's exactly the reason why I own preamp and amps. It does come down to personality...