Can Using the Preamp Section of an Integrated Amplifier Compete with a Preamp?

[TunerLanding]

Hi all, I fell upon a Luxman Power Amplifier and didn’t have a preamp so I have been using my Luxman L-410 preamp phono out for temporary use with it. Preamplifiers seem scarce in Vancouver is it essential that I find a good matching preamp for competitive sound quality?

 

[tarior]

Does it sound good to you? If so, then it is good.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Your poll question, what does it mean? Are you using the pre-out/main in of the signal processor loop on the L-410? I'd want to know more about how that is wired and its output level. The L-580 loop wasn't a good pre out signal, not enough gain.

Preamp outputs from some integrated amps is fine. A carefully selected preamp will be better but I've heard some mediocre preamps, too.

As stated, if you like it, enjoy while you seek the preamp you want.

 

[WaynerN]

I don't understand what you are doing....how does the "phono" out fit in the picture...or is that an output of the preamp section?

 

[kwayde]

It all depends on the equipment used.

 

[Dswankey]

.. I have been using my Luxman L-410 preamp phono out

What is this "preamp phono out" your talking about here and in your poll? This Luxman has Pre-Out and a Phono input

As to your thread title I would say in some cases yes and in others no as it depends on which Integrated and which Preamp

From the OEM Luxman manual

 

[TunerLanding]

Your poll question, what does it mean? Are you using the pre-out/main in of the signal processor loop on the L-410? I'd want to know more about how that is wired and its output level. The L-580 loop wasn't a good pre out signal, not enough gain.

Preamp outputs from some integrated amps is fine. A carefully selected preamp will be better but I've heard some mediocre preamps, too.

As stated, if you like it, enjoy while you seek the preamp you want.

I can see I made it confusing, I’m using the phono section of the preamp. It has a phono straight circuit feature which isolates the active phono circuit of the preamp and then I have the pre out connected to the power amplifier. There’s also a “signal processing “ switch with a screwed safety tab that I’m not sure about. Poll question is basically asking if people have had success using an integrated as a preamp

 

[Blue Shadow]

Go get the OM from HFE and read about that sig pro circuit.
Your Preamps destroy Preamp/Phono Out doesn't make sense. Now that you have clarified it you mean
Does a separate preamp destroy using my integrated amp in phono direct mode to the preamp outlet to my power amp.

Well that depends on the quality of the components involved. The Luxman should be pretty good but not at the level of some really good preamps. Use it and enjoy it. Compare the phono direct vs. not direct operation while you are playing around.

Then if you like it, enjoy it.

Read about the switch in the manual to decide which position to use for you application.

 

[E-Stat]

How long is a piece of string?

 

[Lavane]

I've been using a Marantz model 1060 integrated amplifier as a preamp for various power amplifiers for some time now. At the moment it's connected to a Marantz model 140 power amplifier. I have used other integrated amplifiers with pre-outs as preamps as well with good results. I always thought the pre-out and main- in jacks were a great feature. I really like the preamplifier and phono stage
In the 1060 I have. The amplifier is a 35wpc cap coupled design. Adding the model 140 DC power amplifier made for a nice sounding combo. I have another integrated amplifier with pre-out jacks, but haven't messed with using other power amps with it since it's 80wpc and sounds really good as is.
If it sounds good to you, that's all that matters.

 

[kwayde]

I had a Marantz 1250 integrated I used as a preamp with a Phase Linear 700 Series II amp that worked well, but the 700 was a newly acquired piece I didn't care for. I then wondered what a regular preamp would sound like so I got a Classe DR-5 preamp to replace the 1250 and the difference blew me away. So much better, but I still didn't like the 700.
I then wondered how much better the sound quality would be with a better amp, etc, etc.....which brings me to where I'm at now.
All of this boils down to what sound you prefer and how much money you want to put into it.

 

[spark1]

In answer to the question posed in the thread title, yes.

 

[ejman]

I've been using a Marantz model 1060 integrated amplifier as a preamp for various power amplifiers for some time now. At the moment it's connected to a Marantz model 140 power amplifier. I have used other integrated amplifiers with pre-outs as preamps as well with good results. I always thought the pre-out and main- in jacks were a great feature. I really like the preamplifier and phono stage
In the 1060 I have. The amplifier is a 35wpc cap coupled design. Adding the model 140 DC power amplifier made for a nice sounding combo. I have another integrated amplifier with pre-out jacks, but haven't messed with using other power amps with it since it's 80wpc and sounds really good as is.
If it sounds good to you, that's all that matters.

Agree. I also frequently use a Marantz 1060 as a preamp with either of my power amps (Conrad Johnson MF 2300A or Jolida 502p with KT 150 tubes) I really enjoy the control flexibility of the old Marantz equipment. My comparison preamp is a Mapletree 12SN7/6SN7 tube preamp, different presentation both good and I enjoy the periodic change.

 

[Lavane]

Agree. I also frequently use a Marantz 1060 as a preamp with either of my power amps (Conrad Johnson MF 2300A or Jolida 502p with KT 150 tubes) I really enjoy the control flexibility of the old Marantz equipment. My comparison preamp is a Mapletree 12SN7/6SN7 tube preamp, different presentation both good and I enjoy the periodic change.

The preamp in my main system is an Aikido design. It uses four 6SN7's.

 

[goodolpg]

Seems like as long as the output level of the Luxman preamp is a good match for the Luxman amp you got you should be fine?

 

[Tom Brennan]

Yes.

 

[Dswankey]

... There’s also a “signal processing “ switch with a screwed safety tab that I’m not sure about.

Let's try not to confuse this thread anymore then need be, @Blue Shadow make a great point about finding the operating Manual

While I don't like to hold peoples hands I took the liberty of attaching this for you so you can eliminate this aspect from what it is your trying to accomplish.

 

[OBMG74]

Count me in at #3 using a 1060 as a preamp.

 

[nj pheonix]

I've found various pieces ( receivers, integrateds) are a mixed bag. You mentioned matching, which I assume you to be meaning brand?
It's very hit and miss. Most gear made well enough to have pre out, main in jacks are generally pretty good.
That said some are clearly better than others. Also there are synergies not easily explained or quantified, that just seem to work better in certain combinations.
As stated before separates are the better path. One qualifier on that statement is all separate pres aren't necessarily better than all integrated pre sections. It's really something you have to try for yourself at the end of the day.

 

[wmgwizard]

I believe the term "matching" refers more to output/input voltage rather than specific brand.

If your preamp has a max output of 1.5v and your amp has an input sensitivity of 2.0v then you may never get full output from your amp. The inverse is also true, if your preamp has 2.0v output and your amp has an input sensitivity of 1.5v you run the risk of overdriving the amplifier and creating distortion and possible damage.

Neither situation is ideal but can be acceptable if you recognize the limitations and operate the equipmemt accordingly.