A Quick Preamp Question (RC-1070/90)

[KEF]

I have a quick question about adding a dedicated preamp to my current system –

At this moment I go analog out of my RDC-1072 into my Yamaha RX-V1400. I run the pre-out for my mains into my RB-1080, and then bi-wire out to my N804s.

When I listen to CDs, I set the Yamaha to Bypass – Straight w/ the fronts set to large (no sub).

So the question is; if I were to use a RC-1070 or 1090 instead of the V1400, what real-world improvements would I expect to hear? Since the Yamaha is simply passing the analog signal from the RCD-1072, would there be any real gains?

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

Cheers,
Keith

[DarrenR]

What you are really asking is whether all analogue preamps treat the signal the same, and therefore sound the same. While the ultimate goal of a preamp should be to pass the signal cleanly without adding character, this is not always the case, particularly with lower costing preamps/receivers.

So to answer your question, preamps don't all sound the same, & you should expect real benefits using a 'real' hi-fi preamp versus a receiver acting as a preamp. I can't say I'm too familar with your Yamaha, but given the exceptional quality of your other gear, I'd really consider a dedicated hi-fi preamp for your setup...expect greater clarity, larger soundstage etc.

All IMHO of course, and as always, try before you buy.

Darren

[KEF]

Thanks Darren - I bought the Yamaha because I have always like the way they handle HT, and this one has also exceeded my expectations. I guess I never really put much thought into running it in Bypass / Straight for stereo applications. I would still be interested to know exactly what is happening to the analogue signal as it enters and passes through the receiver.

I have done some searching and it doesn’t appear that there is much written here about these two. I'll have to do a little more digging - a quick comparison of the Total Harmonic Distortion turned up 0.04% for the Yamaha and 0.004% for the Rotel... How that will translate to the audible world is another question.

Interesting stuff though – that’s again for your opinion.

Best Regards,
KEF

[eelco74]

I had a denon 3801 as a pre-amp only (with RB981/RB985MKII).

I now have a rsp-1068. No both of them have a "direct" function, so it should not be too different.

Well I can tell you that the difference is huge.

Before that I had a RC-972 pre-amp. I liked that a lot, but it did not have a 5.1 input for SACD. I think that the 972 is better than the 1066. But the 1068 is a bit better.

[DarrenR]

Keith
You just have to keep in mind that hi-fi manufacturers build gear to a certain price point, and the quality of components will vary markedly depending on their cost.

Just keep in mind that your Yamaha has a RRP of $800, and includes multiple (expensive) amplifiers, pre-amp processor, DAC and a tuner all in one box, not to mention the fancy remote. That's a lot of gear for the bucks, & by neccessity lower priced components would need to be used to meet that price point. Important note: just because the Yammy boasts an analogue pass-through, it does not mean the signal is not affected by the components along the way of the signal.

The Rotel RC-972 has a RRP of ~$400, and does preamp duties exclusively. You would expect higher quality components to be used by the Rotel as you are not having to pay for all the associated amps etc. You could pay much much more for a hi-end preamp, & (typically, but not always) get better quality components, & a subjectively better sound.

Go and have a demo, maybe to your ears the difference between the Rotel & Yammy might not justify the price.

Darren