Pre/Power Amp Issues
I've have an old Rotel RA-01 integrated amp brought back to life and noticed it had a pre-amp out facility so I coupled it to my Roksan K2 integrated, using this as the power amp. I'm really pleased with the results. The sound quality seemed to move up a gear or two - louder, more responsive, more clarity and generally more umph. I have been discouraged from going down the pre/power route in the past by my local dealer, but I'm so impressed with the improvement I would like to understand what's actually happening sound wise. Am I listening to the Roksan power section only, with the Rotel providing the input and controls etc, or is the sound produced by a combination of the two amps? It would appear to be the later. The Roksan delivers 120w a channel, so more than adequately drives my speakers, but together they push the power way beyond my speakers capabilities. I therefore seem to be driving them with more control to good effect.
I can't imagine going back to an integrated amp now and I'm looking ahead to replacing the Rotel with a more modern and versatile pre-amp, i.e. one with digital inputs. Advice and guidance on whether people think I'm going in the right direction and are there any potential pitfalls I should be aware of, for instance, have I got lucky with my pairing and would some combinations not work so well. Eager for your thoughts.
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