[zerogratitude]

I currently have a mac book pro -> apogee duet and am getting a emotiva xpa-2 amp and paradigm studio 20 bookshelf speakers.
I was wondering I would gain much by getting a pre amp like the emotiva usp-1 or is my macbook pro -> apogee duet -> xpa-2 -> studio 20 good enough?
 
I am soo confused and I do not know if spending the extra 400 would be worth the money.
 
Or instead of getting a preamp i could just get a stereo receiver?

 

[khaos974]

Doesn't the Apogee have a preamp function via a level controlled line out? If so I don't see why you need another preamp, I would expect the Apogee to be at least competent in this role.

 

[zerogratitude]

so you are saying that getting the emotiva pre amp would not make much of a difference?

 

[khaos974]

The short answer is: I don't know, but if there already is a preamp function in the Apogee, try it first before buying another preamp.

 

[cyberspyder]

Here's what I was planning to do...buying the Benchmark DAC1 PRE or a Grace m902 and hooking them up to a pair of Krell monoblocks, as both have a preamp function. Yeah, a bit more expensive LOL, but IMO worth it.

 

[Operandi]

It would be a negligible difference if you could hear it at all.  I would spend your $400 on better speakers.  $400 will go frailly far in DIY and kits, these for example would be big step up from your Paradigms.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-967