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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 27, 2019 12:33:20 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s.
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Post by mgbpuff on Jun 27, 2019 13:49:54 GMT -5
I think that you would not notice much difference. Have you used the Pure Direct mode, which bypasses all DSP circuitry? That should be as good as most separate 2 ch preamps!
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DYohn
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Posts: 18,340
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Post by DYohn on Jun 27, 2019 14:09:42 GMT -5
I used to own an 8802. It sounds great for 2-channel, but there are prepros and preamps that sound a LOT better. It really depends on your source. If you use analog sources then the 8802 is easily beaten. If you use digital sources, then it all depends on if you like the sound of the DACs in the Marantz. If you do then there you go.
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Post by 405x5 on Jun 27, 2019 14:59:18 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s. The upcoming XMC-2 could be just the ticket for you, if it's in your budget. I've owned 2 stereo preamps and 2 AV processors. The audio quality was always top priority for all of them. I'm running the XMC-1 currently, replaced a non HDMI Sunfire Theater Grand processor. The Sunfire is one hell of a great sounding preamp, be it records or movies (yes it has a built in phono preamp section) When I ditched it for the XMC, The best I thought I could hope for was that it would sound AS good and indeed it did. Bill |
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Post by widespreadpanic on Jun 27, 2019 21:07:37 GMT -5
I really enjoy my 3.7i’s paired with my DR1 amps. The sound puts a smile on my face.
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 28, 2019 5:51:12 GMT -5
I think that you would not notice much difference. Have you used the Pure Direct mode, which bypasses all DSP circuitry? That should be as good as most separate 2 ch preamps! Yes, I am using the Pure Direct which sounds noticeably better than any other mode. As for my source, I am strictly listening to FLAC files and use the Wolfson DACs in the Cambridge CXN. No vinyl or other sources at this time. Thanks for everyone's input |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 28, 2019 5:59:51 GMT -5
I really enjoy my 3.7i’s paired with my DR1 amps. The sound puts a smile on my face. Me too! Its an awesome pairing. I had a much more expensive stereo amp driving my 3.7is for a couple years and was not happy with the sound. When I dropped those DR1s into my system it was like I had a brand new pair of speakers. It was a very dramatic difference and I really can't imagine another amp doing better than these DR1s. However, this is what has had me pondering a separate stereo preamp as the next step in upping the performance of my system. With speakers and amps that I love, not sure where to go next in the evolution of my system. |
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 28, 2019 8:08:58 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s. If you want a noticeable difference...tube pre. Recommendation SP14 |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 28, 2019 8:18:22 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s. If you want a noticeable difference...tube pre. Recommendation SP14 Is that what you use? Did you assemble it yourself? If so, was it difficult? I have functional soldering ability, not master level ability. Is there an option for balanced inputs and outputs? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 12:15:54 GMT -5
I used my old Denon AVR5700 (circa 1999) as a stereo for years because it just sounded fantastic with music, better than any 2 ch's I've bought since. It was leak on vinyl though- lacked RIAA equalization curve, maybe?. . I like some of the new tube & hybrids that are out. That sound is different than anything digital. Peachtree 2ch preamp has a good reputation for stereo.(never heard it). The old Marantz of the 70- early 80's are selling 2-4x today over what they retailed for. Japanese made stereos still have a good reputation.. Remember those 70-80s stereos were Class A amplified in the 35-100 watt range.
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Post by teaman on Jun 28, 2019 13:14:29 GMT -5
Running XLR from source to amps using my Sherbourn PT-7020C4 has been my best sound experience to date. It has blown my other preamp/AVR/Processors away.
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 28, 2019 19:48:43 GMT -5
If you want a noticeable difference...tube pre. Recommendation SP14 Is that what you use? Did you assemble it yourself? If so, was it difficult? I have functional soldering ability, not master level ability. Is there an option for balanced inputs and outputs? Yes, the SP14 is what I use. I did NOT assemble it myself however a reliable well versed, intelligent and more than capable friend who introduced me to tubes4hifi assembled my amplifiers as well as my SP14. No offense....you should have a pretty good background in electronics and know how to read schematics..soldering alone is not enough. I use the SP14 ( extras )with my 803d’2s...sublime. The SP14 pre amp is more than a cost effective pre...it can easily compare with a pre -amp in the $6000.00 range |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jun 29, 2019 8:59:12 GMT -5
Bluemeanies, no offense taken. It's the reason I asked. Thanks for the input
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Post by amped on Jun 29, 2019 10:14:03 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s. Depending on the Pre you end up with you will have (hear) a much better 2 channel experience then you will with a processor of ANY kind or cost. Even the high(er) end processors from reputable companies that have a "Source Direct", "Pure Direct", "Bypass" , "2 CH" or any other nomenclature that indicates it's bypassing all that other garbage is a pipe dream. The single BEST MOVE I HAVE EVER MADE IN AUDIO was to listen to 2 Channel Audio via a 2 Channel Audio Preamp. (period) |
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Post by audiobill on Jun 29, 2019 12:16:05 GMT -5
In college I had a cheap Pioneer two channel receiver that was later replaced by home theater receivers and then to HT pre pros. I have never experienced a stereo preamp in my own system. I currently have a Marantz 8802a and have wondered for some time if there would be a noticeable improvement in adding a separate stereo preamp. I do more movie and TV watching with my system, but its my two channel listening in which I am most critical. In addition to the Marantz pre pro, my stereo system is a pair of Maggie 3.7is, a JL F110 sub, a Cambridge CXN streamer and a pair of DR1s. Depending on the Pre you end up with you will have (hear) a much better 2 channel experience then you will with a processor of ANY kind or cost. Even the high(er) end processors from reputable companies that have a "Source Direct", "Pure Direct", "Bypass" , "2 CH" or any other nomenclature that indicates it's bypassing all that other garbage is a pipe dream. The single BEST MOVE I HAVE EVER MADE IN AUDIO was to listen to 2 Channel Audio via a 2 Channel Audio Preamp. (period) Amen. HT should be a completely separate system, if it's high end sound you want for your music. Not cheap, but oh so good. |
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Post by 405x5 on Jun 29, 2019 16:04:05 GMT -5
Depending on the Pre you end up with you will have (hear) a much better 2 channel experience then you will with a processor of ANY kind or cost. Even the high(er) end processors from reputable companies that have a "Source Direct", "Pure Direct", "Bypass" , "2 CH" or any other nomenclature that indicates it's bypassing all that other garbage is a pipe dream. The single BEST MOVE I HAVE EVER MADE IN AUDIO was to listen to 2 Channel Audio via a 2 Channel Audio Preamp. (period) Amen. HT should be a completely separate system, if it's high end sound you want for your music. Not cheap, but oh so good. Oh Mann! I could not disagree more with this. Where to begin....I suppose for starters, the totally subjective, of kicking back and listening to what constitutes a “like being there” experience to you...personally. Stereo sounds ok, but audio properly configured from multiple locations is MY ticket to Nirvana (and I am a musician) I upgraded my music listening experience 18 years ago. That was the last time I did any serious 2 channel (no point IMHO) Bill |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Jul 19, 2019 13:46:25 GMT -5
I now have the answer to my question. Today my Schiit came in. I went ahead and took a chance and purchased a Schiit Freya + and I'm in love. It is a night and day difference between it and playing two channel through my Marantz 8802a. It's much more forward, more detailed, a ton more bass and just so much more engaging. Still dont know if I have preferred mode, but currently putting the tube stage to the test.
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Post by strindl on Jul 19, 2019 16:41:27 GMT -5
Amen. HT should be a completely separate system, if it's high end sound you want for your music. Not cheap, but oh so good. Oh Mann! I could not disagree more with this. Where to begin....I suppose for starters, the totally subjective, of kicking back and listening to what constitutes a “like being there” experience to you...personally. Stereo sounds ok, but audio properly configured from multiple locations is MY ticket to Nirvana (and I am a musician) I upgraded my music listening experience 18 years ago. That was the last time I did any serious 2 channel (no point IMHO) Bill I agree with you. I've enjoyed my music with some type of surround sound since the mid 70's with a Dynaco Quadapter, I've progressed though multiple surround processors as the technology got better and better. From the Dynaco Quadapter the progression was ... Advent Soundspace control, Yamaha DSP1 and Lexicon CP-3. After that, I switched to preamp/processor with a Harmon Kardon Signature 2.0, and my current Integra DHC 9.9. I do have a two channel pre amp in that system as well, a Threshold T2 fully balanced model. The front left and right channels are always routed through the T2, with the balanced front L&R outputs of the Integra going to one of the balanced inputs on the T2, and one pair of the balanced outputs going to a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 monoblocs, while the second pair of balanced outputs are sent to a Threshold SA/4e stereo power amp. I can switch between those two power amps into my Thiel speakers, by switching the speaker wire connections. I can be in pure two channel mode in five minutes by doing that and changing the T2 input from balanced 1 to balamced 2, which is the input from a balanced dac fed from a logitech Squeezebox Touch streamer, or the input from an Oppo CD/dvd drive. The best of both worlds. While the pure two channel does sound pretty nice, I do always gravitate back to the full 7.2 channel surround set up for my music. |
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Post by SteveH on Jul 19, 2019 17:56:52 GMT -5
I really enjoy my 3.7i’s paired with my DR1 amps. The sound puts a smile on my face. Absolutely! For 26 years I was running two stereo amps in mono for my Carver Platinums. One amp died so I replaced them two DR1s. Monoblocks are definitely the way to go! |
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