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Using "pre-outs" of an integrated amp provide sound quality equal to a separate pre-amp?

Will using the "pre-outs" of an integrated to drive a basic power amp provide sound quality EQUAL to a separate quality pre-amp?? 

I have read that many pre-outs are just "op-amps" that channel an output signal to the amp, but  are not equal to the output stage of a separate pre-amp, and therefore limit or hinder or limit the performance  of the basic power amp.   .

Trying to determine if it is worth it investing  in a separate pre-amp for a BAT VK-200 amp

Would a quality pre-amp provide 15% to 2o% better sound??    Thanks


sunnyjim
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Will using the "pre-outs" of an integrated to drive a basic power amp provide sound quality EQUAL to a separate quality pre-amp??
It could.  But only if the built-in preamp section of the integrated was equal to or better than the separate pre-amp you may be considering. 

The power amp, external or the built-in one of the integrated can only receive the best signal that pre-amp in the integrated is capable of sending.  So without knowing exactly what models we are dealing with, the answer to your question is just a "maybe".
213runnin
562 posts
 
So what is driving your  BAT VK-200  right now?  I guess its an integrated amp, and you are using its pre-outs to drive the Bat?

Yes, many pre outs consist of op-amps, but like paraneer said, it all depends on the brand and models.  The pre outs of some integrated amps would be superior to some separate pre-amps.  

Is there something lacking in the sound you have now?  
jl35
2,244 posts
 
I have had both good and bad reults, but have always found that if I sold the integrated, I could buy a pre that was better than the pre in the integrated...maybe even the same brand if you like their sound...
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

Thanks to all have responded so far; I appreciate your time

To paraneer.  I have a Rogue Sphinx integrated whose pre-outs i am using.

To 213 running: You asked  "Is there something lacking in the sound"??  Well that is always the question for most audiophiles, that is, is what I have good enough??   So you then speculate maybe I should look for something better to bring the system to a new level of sound and enjoyment....but is it worth it??

 I can't say there is anything particularly  lacking in the sound, However,  a wider deeper sound stage, more air around instruments, and therefore more presence, and therefore greater musicality would be great. Some of what I just stated, maybe more speculative, than achievable, or possibly only marginal using a separate pre-amp . For the record, I have considered at least 15 different brands of pre-amp, and at least 5 models within the brands. I need to have a smooth acting remote, and if possible a good phono stage.

The new Rogue RP-1 has both features, but there has been little buzz about its sonic performance on this blog or in the audio press.  The BAT VK-200 amp has a combo of XLR and RCA connectors.  I would like to take advantage of the supposedly sonic benefits of XLR to XLR interconnects. All I need is a pre-amp XLR input for the amp, and one for my Ayre CD player. The company recommends using the XLR outputs to inputs for the best sound.

It is not necessarily a "no brainer" to go with a used and older BAT pre-amp because usually remote and phono stage are costly options. As good as a product that BAT is, an older BAT pre-amp  from 10 -12 years ago may not be equal to the Rogue Sphinx integrated pre-amp. Though, overall, BAT is in a different league than the Rogue.  The VK-200 amp clarified and convinced  me of that fact. 

There is a Coda CP pre-amp that may still be available to me, but it is a boutique product with no reviews, though several members claimed it is a very good pre-amp, and is still current in the Coda  It has a remote. phono stage and a mix of XLR and RCA connectors .  Thanks 

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