3Putt
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Last Piece in My 2-Channel Build - A Preamp
jackfish
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that is superfluous in a two channel system. It is likely you would notice an improvement changing to a stereo preamp and $1000 will get you a lot of preamp. There is a new Belles Soloist 3  on AudiogoN for $939.  The Parasound Halo P3 should also get consideration. There is a like new NAD C165BEE on AudiogoN for $575. As always lossless digital music files deliver high quallity resolution. So if you aren't using lossless that would be another place to dramatically improve sound quality.

If you are only going to use one source you might also consider a passive preamp like an Axiom (Caddock resistor version for $160) or Goldpoint if you have multiple inputs. Nice devices which will not get in the way of your music.

3Putt
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I can get my hands on an M1 Line that's had some authorised genuine upgrades (don't know exactly what) for AU$1200.

What do think about that tube pre going into my NAD SS amp? I'm told it would be a good combo.

I checked and these M1's sell for AU$2350 new here in Sydney, so I'm pretty keen.... very excited to see what my system can do with the old AVR out of the way.

With the M1 in place, will the improvement be noticeable but subtle, or will it be palpable, as was my speaker upgrade?

Is this all overkill considering i'm playing mostly streamed stuff over Sonos (320kBps 44.1kHz)? Mind you, I am building a library of Hi Res content from HDTracks....

jackfish
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competent piece and should reveal much beyond the Denon AVR2803. 320kBps 44.1kHz files are lossy, although not as stripped as regular mp3s (128kBps), and suffer minor degradation. Although some testing claims people cannot generally distinguish between files with bit rates above 192kBps and CDs (1411.2kBps 44.1kHz), the more resolving the equipment, the more apparent the differences might become between even 320 kBps 44.1 kHz files and lossless files.  Obviously this does not mean you cannot enjoy your 320kBps 44.1kHz files on good equipment.

3Putt
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I think I'll go for the M1, just hope it's still available after I have raised the funds!

While I get by with the HT receiver as my pre, should i be worried that the line level terminals (pre in and outs) on the back are a bit tarnished. I'm not talking rusty or green with corrosion, just dulled and tarnished. Should I clean them with something?

Interestingly, I can confirm that I cannot tell the difference between 192 and 320kBps MP3's, on my (improved) system. I CAN tell the difference, just, between 320kBps MP3 and 24/96 hi res.

Demondog
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DeoxIT products http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2158/.f are popular in some circles.  You can also find contact cleaners at Radioshack and other stores.

3Putt
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I got the M1! Its a peach. Now the build is complete, and the HT receiver is out of the way, it sounds amazing! Just loving it.

I now know what is meant by the terms soundstage, and depth of soundstage!

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