Hello all, I'm debating taking my first step into a separate world. As I've been researching I'm seeing more and more praise for XLR inputs. I'd be using my existing Denon 3805 as a Pre, which doesn't have XLR. Should I still upgrade to a separate amp now ? (Will there be a nice jump up in clarity/punch-without a lot of analog hiss ?) Or wait til I can get both a new Pre and an Amp. Thanks in advance !

Even with unbalanced connections, moving to a separate amp will provide benefits - and your Polk LSi-15's in particular are going to appreciate the additional current. I'd consider an upgrade to a separate amp to definitely be worthwhile even with the 3805 hanging around as processor.

If you are driving the LSi's with just the 3805, your speakers will love you after adding the amplifier.

Amping my 3805 made a big difference. I started with 3 M200s but now have a 3 channel amp.

The amp has XLRs but are unused.

Many 990 owners indicate that changing to a 990 would make my music listening more pleasurable. Maybe when the boss isn't looking!

Thanks guys, I actually ended up getting a Parasound A52 for 1300 bucks, so I'm going to run with that. I'll let you know how it turns out if you're interested. May return to Outlaw for Pre/Pro needs when the time comes cause the C2 is way out of my league.