Does the preamp matter?

[andlum]

Hi all,

currently I have the following setup:

Technics SL1200 + TV via HDMI Arc --> Marantz Stereo 70 --> pre out (Cinch to XLR) into Neumann KH120ii active speakers.

I bought the Marantz Stereo 70 plainly because it has built in phono and HDMI Arc and preouts to connect it to the Neumanns. So I basically use it for convenience reasons.

I'm curious about potential upgrades to improve sound quality. Here are my questions:

1. Analog Preamp: Would upgrading to a higher-quality preamp (with potentially better DAC) provide a noticeable improvement in sound quality while maintaining the analog connection? Or: does a preamp affect SQ?
2. Digital Preouts: Is it worth considering a device with digital pre-outs (like optical or coaxial) to utilize the DAC in my Neumann speakers? This would require finding a device with the same convenience features as my Marantz Stereo 70 (HDMI Arc, Phono Stage).

I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations from the community.

Thanks!

 

[LTig]

Adding a sub and using room EQ makes more sense than the exchange of electronics.

 

[Haskil]

If this stereo model is derived from the AV model which has the same reference, its real problem risks being its amplifier part... Its DAC part is certainly not Sota but still presents performances which place it below the threshold audibility in your case.
Of course if you enter digital directly into your speakers it wouldn't be any worse... But it's not at all certain that this will have an audible impact...
I honestly don't really know what to tell you.
A Wim pro or Pro Plus would have what you are looking for

PS. The other solution would be to use an HDMI to optical or coaxial extractor to connect your speakers digitally. ?

 

[Norcal]

What in particular about the sound quality are you hoping to improve? Knowing that should help the community make helpful suggestions.

 

[andlum]

What in particular about the sound quality are you hoping to improve? Knowing that should help the community make helpful suggestions.

Nothing in particular. I was generally wondering what kind of influence any kind of preamp will have, when I use active speakers.

 

[Jungstar]

I think any dedicated DAC with HDMi would do better, but you need to listen well. If you want WOW, get a subwoofer with passthrough to match the speakers.
But Wiim Amp or Wiim Ultra would have HDMI in and digital out.

If I were you, I would bring my speakers to a HiFi store, pay the guy 50 USD, and say you going to try out stuff for an hour or two. Bring a friend. It is fun and you save 600 USD on some stupid preamp.

 

[Sokel]

What you get from an analog preamp has little to do with SQ.
It's sure is an extra layer of safety against digital amnesia,glitches,etc and it MAY have an effect if you listen to particularity low levels where noise will be attenuated with level,something that is not happening with digital VC (although today's DAC noise is extremely low).

You can have the above safety with other ways also,passive attenuators,fixed max level at your actives,etc though.
The sane reason for a pre is lots and mix of sources,a good one can then be the center of your system.

 

[pogo]

Take a look at the Bluesound Node Icon with Dirac Live. It could be a very good solution for you.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Take a look at the Bluesound Node Icon with Dirac Live. It could be a very good solution for you.

Yes, since it would also permit use of the Neumann's digital input.