Is a pre-amp necessary for a really surround system and music system?

Question

for a really "good" system, I mean

Answer 1

Here's an example of how you would use one: http://www.avtruths.com/bangforbuck.html

Answer 2

Hi. In any audio system the signal is passed down a chain. Sound travels from the Source components (DVD or CD Player, VCR, Turntable,Tuner, Satellite stc.) to the Preamplifier,or Surround Processing Preamplifier,to the Power Amplifiers and then to the Speakers. The Preamplifier selects the input source,controls the volume ,processes the sound and controls the amount of power the Power Amps give to the speakers.Preamps are the heart of the system.Any small error by the Pre-Amp.,such as noise ,distortion or harshness ,will be multiplied when the Amplifier makes a bigger copy and sends it to the speakers.

A stand alone(separate) Preamplifier will give you the best sound,when connected via a cable to a separate Power Amplifier

An integrated Amplifier with preamp and power amp in the one component is the next best for sound quality.

A Receiver will give you the worst sound quality because the preamp,power amps and tuner all share the same power supply.The needs of the power amps degrades the preamp.

Answer 3

Yes.

The pre-amp does a LOT of things:

- Separates the DD5.1 into 6 channels of sound
- Does Bass management
- Dose level adjustment
- Does time delays
-etc

You actually cannot have a home theater system without the preamp functions. While some DVD players do have 6 channel outputs - how would you control the volume without a preamp?