Primer on Pre-amp/Processors Needed

[DForeman]

I've noticed in the various forums here that for those who have a Denon receiver/external amp combo, the receiver is a 3800 model or higher.

I have a Denon 2106 AVR and recently purchased an Outlaw 7500 amp (thanks to the great advice given from you all).

I am wondering if there is something preamp specific in the Denon 3800 or higher models that are not in the lower ones.

[ohskigod]

hard to say specifics in terms of build. I dont even know if there is a difference in the Denon recievers you mentioned. It might be sonically a little better if there is a difference in build quality or whatnot.

In case you r considering an upgrade, I wouldnt upgrade to another reciever as a pre/pro. I would head right to the Outlaw 990 pre pro. with the reciever route, your paying for an amp section your not going to use

[mldennison]

nothing specific for me, i bought the denon 3802 thinking it was going to be all that i needed and then i bought the adcom to see what all the hype was about adding an external amp. i would just look at the feature list, if there are features on the 3800 or up that you need, go with that, otherwise i am sure your 2106 is probably all you need.

[DForeman]

Thanks. I will in fact be upgrading eventually -- probably to the Outlaw 990. It seems like a good "mate" for the 7500 amp.

I've read here that upgrading to the 990 improves sound quality greatly --
meaning a good preamp is important. That's why I was just wondering if the
Denon receivers differed on the preamp side as well as the amplifier.

[mldennison]

i have not heard the denon 2100 series so i really could not comment on that but your plan sounds like a good one. i think the whole avr/power amp combo is really a used best as a way to save some money for a move to a dedicated pre-amp. at least that is what i am doing...