>>And, for a really stupid question...what and how exactly does a pre/amp system do and how are they connected?
First off, there is not much inherent advantage to separate pre-amp / power amp systems other than modularity (you can, for example, upgrade the power amp and sell the old one) and probably a tiny advantage from having separate power supplies and isolated cabinets.
The main "advantage" (as others have mentioned) is that it becomes impractical to fit a big honkin' power amp into the same cabinet and same power supply as the rest of the pieces -- pre-amp, tuner, surround processor etc...
The pre-amp is responsible for taking input from a variety of sources, adjusting the volume to whatever loudness you want, applying processing like tone controls, then outputting a signal at a standard level to the next stage (power amp).
The power amp is responsible for going from a standard line level input to whatever power level you need to drive your speakers. It does all the heavy lifting and usually has very few controls other than maybe a second level control.
As long as you don't need insane power it is more cost effective to put everything in one box and call it a receiver. You can share power supplies, power cords, cabinets, switches, fans, all that junk.
The only downside to buying a nice receiver then adding a power amp later is that you can't sell the power amp in the receiver to defray the costs of the new amp. This is not a big deal now that stereo receivers are relatively inexpensive.
My thinking would be to go with a 3480 as a start (or any good integrated amp) and add a power amp later if you feel the need. I wouldn't go with any less power than a 3480, though... if you want a "fine stereo system in a large room" then lots of clean power is always a good thing to have. There is nothing magical about the 3480 other than it has decent power, a very solid high current power amp, looks nice, and is reasonably priced.
You don't need no steenking sub IMO.
EDIT -- two other points :
1. One reason people buy separate components is that the very best "cost no object" electronics tend to be built as separate components because the primary reason for integration is saving cost... which is not a factor there.
2. Remember that with most receivers the connection between pre-amp and power amp is actually brought out to jacks on the back of the receiver. If you look at most high end stereo receivers you will see a pair of jumpers connecting the two pre-amp out RCAs to the two power-amp in RCAs. Just disconnect the jumpers and you can insert any kind of signal processing between the pre and power amps (eg. an electronic crossover for a sub). You can also disconnect the jumpers and cable from the pre-amp outs to a separate power amp if you want. You would not use the speaker outputs on the receiver in that case because the signal would be going to the external power amp not the built in power amp.
Last edited by bridgman; 03/27/05 02:36 AM.
