Why use a preamp for home theater?

Question

I'm looking at higher end home theater and someone suggested a preamp. What are the benefits of having a preamp?

Answer 1

To begin with you can attain ‘high-end’ home theater with a receiver. Look for brands like Sunfire, Parasound, B&K, Sony ES, and McIntosh, (There are many more).You won’t find these brands at your local retail store. They are found at boutique audio salons.

There are several advantages to a preamp.

Probably the biggest is that as technology advances - only your Preamp will need replacement. When I purchased my Preamp – Dolby Digital Surround EX did not exist. I’m fortunate that a simple download provided the upgrade. If future upgrades aren’t downloadable only my preamp will need replacement. My speakers and amplifier will always remain among the best.

Separate Preamp and amplifier also allows you to tailor the amplifier to your speakers. My big Martin Logan’s are 2 – 3 Ohm speakers. Very few receivers can handle that load while many amplifiers can. Including many fine tube amplifiers (mine is solid state).

The reason most audiophiles will provide for a Preamp is a lower noise floor. Theoretically separating the amplifier provides a quieter system (better dynamics). I doubt anyone on two legs can truly hear a difference (if it exists).

My recommendation for a high-end home theater is to select the speakers you like and tailor the electronics to them. If you choose high-end speakers like NHT - a quality receiver will do nicely. Your speaker salesman should be able to provide electronics recommendations.

The biggest bang for the buck is to get your display device ISF calibrated. No other upgrade come close.

Answer 2

Home Theater Preamp

Answer 3

PLUSES: Ultimate quality of the components
used. Less interaction (interference and dis-
tortion) between the electronics being in a sep-
arate chassis. More powerful amplifiers can be
used as well as more discreet amplification with
bi-amping via separate amps (and monoblocks
are the more discreet because each monoblock
controls one channel).

MINUSES: More components to worry about. More
outlets will be needed. An integrated receiver has
already has the preamp and amplifiers properly
matched to work well with each other. A receiver,
because it's an all-in-one package so to speak, it's
more convenient to set up and use.

My choice for a preamp and amplifier package would
be from Arcam. The DiVA series is a great way to get
into the high-end separates for home theater and music.
The FMJ series is pretty much the ultimate home theater
amp/preamp package without getting well into the 5-figure
price segment.

AMPLIFIER: Arcam DiVA P1000
PREAMP/PROCESSOR: Arcam DiVA AVP700

AMPLIFIER: Arcam FMJ P7
PREAMP PROCESSOR: Arcam FMJ AV9

If I can be of further help with your home theater system, feel
free to e-mail me anytime.


H a p p y
H o m e
T h e a t e r i n g !
___
__
_

Answer 4

Actually, a used pre-amp/processor is probably a good idea as long as you don't want the latest features. I have a 15 year old A/V receiver that works great as the heart of a secondary system. It has optical inputs that allow me to get surround sound. I don't think you have to go to 5-10 years old ... many used components are available for a small fraction of what they cost originally, and quality electronics have a long lifetime. And while features like 3D are recent, HDMI has been around for years already. For example, I have a 6 year old A/V receiver with HDMI inputs. Note that you generally can't update components, but since DVD and Blu-ray players usually incorporate surround audio format support in the player, you may be able to get even HD audio without HDMI through an old amp if it handles multi-channel analog inputs (and the player has multi-channel analog outputs). You do take a chance on older equipment since the warranty has expired, but with solid state electronics if it hasn't failed in 2-3 years it should be pretty dependable for many more years. And since it doesn't cost a bundle, if it fails it's no big deal to junk it, or if it was premium equipment it may be worth fixing it.

Answer 5

The main advantage of a preamp over a standalone DSP is that the pre gives you much more input switching ability.

If you have cable, sat, PC, another hifi, HDTV, VCR, DVD, DVD recorder (like me...) etc, etc. a preamp will give you ultimate flexibility, and will become your AV hub. Combine this with a remote that learns & has macro functions, and you'll only need one remote (like me...). Other advantages include a greater level of control over your processing ability, and the ability to make your sound just how you like it (Robbie Ordell style!). Yet another advantage is that if you're after a very powerful output, you can team it with a set of amps to a level that won't ever be found on a stock DSP.

Preamps aren't for everyone, and it depends on your DSP's level of catering to your needs.

Answer 6

Used to be that using separates (preamp, amp , and tuner) , you would get better performance with your sound , therefore is was somewhat expensive and desirable.
But with newer and better technology it is no longer that much of a difference in sound quality between separates and a receiver.
It is also somewhat of a status symbol because of the greater expense for using separates.

Answer 7

Seperate preamp and power amp are usually higher quality than an integrated receiver. Also with a preamp you can go with biamped powered speakers.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-HR824-Studio-Monitor?sku=605250

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-HR626-Dual-6-2Way-Active-Studio-Reference-Monitor?sku=605266

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-HRS120-Active-Studio-Subwoofer-Speaker?sku=605260

(my dream speaker system)