|   Pre-amp/Power Amp vs. A/V Receiver | chubbaka
Apr 17, 2003 6:32 PM | | I am ashamed to admit that I don't really know what the functions of preamps and poweramps are. (what can i say, I'm a total novice audiophile) Wanna buy some equipment - I'm gonna be using my system 90% for music, and have considered buying an A/V purely for the flexibility of home theater in the distant future.
Could someone pls give me a brief definition of pre-amps/power amps? Are they better than A/V receivers for music? For roughly $800, any suggestions on the receiver/amp end? Thanks guys and gals.
Sunny side up. |
| re: Pre-amp/Power Amp vs. A/V Receiver | RGA
Apr 17, 2003 6:58 PM | | Generally, Power amp/Pre amp combinations are called separates. FIrst thing I would do, as a novice who wants good sound, is to find this magazine on shelves now http://www.uhfmag.com/Issue66/Couverture66.html
http://www.uhfmag.com/book1.html
Buy one of their two books with your subscription.
Separates, generally, offer more flexibility, better sound, better build quality, and will be easier to upgrade etc. Problem is it also MAY cost a fair bit more money than an A/V receiver. You have to ask yourself if you really care all that much about music to get into the high end hobby(and there is a hobby aspect to this). For casual listening or background music with the vacuum going or a party etc a receiver is fine. Being transported by your hi-fi to something resembling a real band in your living room is another matter.
For your budget I would look at Integrated amps. This has the Preamp and power amp in one box but without a dastardly tuner and A/V processor. You will get a lower powered version of separates(if you buy the right ones).
I would look at the following two companies:
1)Sugden...The a21a is a bit out of your price range but you may be able to get a demo model. Anything used by these guys and you'll be doing well. The Roksan Kandy and Upper end amps from Arcam would be good bets(The Delta 290 or Alpha 9 or Alpha 10). All the Sugden A-series amps(the A48b,a28,a21a etc) look the same but differrent numbers. http://www.audiosynergy.co.uk/a21arev.htm
http://www.jesugden.co.uk/a21rev.htm
http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/review_list.asp?category=AMP&subcategory=INTGR
The other company I have not heard myself yet is called Audio Refinement. I have heard YBA and YBA makes some of the best stuff in the world. Audio Refinement is their budget line around your price range. They appear to have the same high quality parts and build but just built in the far east instead of France.
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/srajan01.htm
There are other good amps out there of course...this is just a start. UHF is a good start. Cheap magazine compared to most as well. |
| re: Pre-amp/Power Amp vs. A/V Receiver | chubbaka
Apr 18, 2003 11:07 AM | | wicked! thats for the suggestions. yeah, i was talking to a mate of mine and was looking at arcam - wish they weren't UK makes though because i can't find em substantially cheaper on these US hifi sites as i can with other brands where the prices seem to be cheaper than in stores.
But thanks again! |
| cost is inverse to flexibility | Mash
Apr 19, 2003 7:05 PM | | I'm ashamed to admit that there are a lot of amp brands, etc. that I have not heard. But then, I am not an audio junkie. But on to your question:
In general, total cost is inverse to flexibility. Seperate components will cost more but you can, say, taylor your amp to your speakers, and so forth.
I have a feeling that you will find more used amps and integrated amps floating around than used receivers. But used gear could save you some investment dollars while you learn what you really want. Several sets of concert tickets would be a good idea, too.
Start with the equipment reviews/ratings area of this site and puruse the lists for interesting items with average ratings of "4.25" or better out of "5". Read the comments carefully to get a sense of how well you might like the reviewed item. If there are 5 or more reviews you should get some sense of the equipment's character. 20 or more reviews should give a fairly comprehensive view.
If you are in a rush, well, you can ask around your 'home town' for a highly regarded local HiFi dealer. They do exist.
Me? I am partial to class-A amps, both tube and solid state. But this consideration may be a bit premature for you. |
| Hmmm... Darn computer. | Mash
Apr 19, 2003 7:12 PM | | Yesss... Should be "Cost is proportional to flexibility", the more flexibility you want (with seperates) the more you will have to pay.
Seperate components will cost more but you can, say, taylor your amp to your speakers, and so forth. |
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