Hi all,

I've just joined Stereophile, as i am putting the finishing touches on a conversion from HT to dedicated 2-ch system.

I'm wondering how much difference a preamp will make to my already massive SQ improvements.

Old setup -   Eyeconnect server software --> Samsung wifi TV --> Denon AVR2803 --> ELAC entry level 5.1 speakers.

New Setup - Sonos / Macbook iTunes --> CA Dacmagic --> Denon AVR2803 (Using as pre) --> NAD C275BEE --> Triangle Color Floorstanders

I do love the quantum leap i have achieved thus far in SQ. I find myself sitting down just to listen to my music so much more often now!

The obvious weakest link now is the receiver. It's just acting as a pre now. How much of an improvement will I get from a dedicated preamp?

Will I get another quantum leap, as I got from the other upgrades ( most notable was the speakers - I obviously had pretty crappy ELACS!!), or am I getting into the realm of diminishing returns now?

Ideally, I would like to get something secondhand (as I have done with the system so far) that represents good value, and of course gives a noticeable improvement in SQ.

$1000 is my budget. I'm thinking the matching pre to my amp, the NAD C165BEE...

Any thoughts....

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