Connecting a Preamp to Multi-Channel Analog Inputs?

[RMilton]

I have a late 1990's Onkyo Integra DTR-5 AVR that has quite a few features that I love (even compared with modern replacements), and it has no problem driving most of the speakers that I own. I'm no longer using it in my primary home theater setup, but I was hoping to keep it and use it as a "power amp."

This unit has pre-outs, but no main-ins. It does however have a "Multi Channel Analog Input" as well as a button on the front for selecting this feature. I'm assuming this bypasses any internal DAC since the inputs go straight to analog. This feature was obviously designed for higher end CD/DVD players of the day with analog outputs for each channel.

My question is: could I plug a preamp or other receiver/integrated with pre-outs to this multi channel input on the Integra? For example, I have a few older Marantz products that have excellent preamp stages, but are short on power (2215, 2216b..). I would love to be able to connect one of these receivers directly from their pre-out RCA's to the Left and Right inputs on the Multi-channel analog inputs. I think this should work and I shouldn't run into any issues with signal level, gain, etc--I can't find any literature on this. Anyone have experience with multi-channel analog inputs or using AVRs as power amps that don't have main-ins?

Thank you!

 

[the skipper]

Those inputs are line level inputs for sources like a SACD player, blu-ray players with analog outputs and the like. It will still allow normal preamp control functions. If it does them in the digital domain, then it would pass through a ADC.

Also, those inputs are looking for a line level signal, not the variable output of a preamp.

Just keep in mind that you'll be going through the preamp stage of both receivers, one after the other. Is that what you want?

You might want to explore the manual for that unit or maybe others can chime in with a better answer,

 

[swechsler]

Nah, @the skipper, you got it in one. There'd be no advantage to connecting any preamp to the multichannel inputs on the Integra compared to just using its preamp section and connecting your source components directly. Yes, it will probably work, but why bother?

 

[RMilton]

Nah, @the skipper, you got it in one. There'd be no advantage to connecting any preamp to the multichannel inputs on the Integra compared to just using its preamp section and connecting your source components directly. Yes, it will probably work, but why bother?

Thank you for the prompt responses. The Integra is not a very "musical" piece of equipment. It was great for home theater, but playing 2.0/2.1 stereo was never its strong suit. I definitely do not want to run any signal through both preamps. I was hoping to use the Integra as a power amp (paired with something like a smaller vintage Marantz that has a great sounding tuner and phono stage), but this particular Integra does not have main-ins. It doesn't sound like the multi channel analog inputs will work in lieu of traditional main-ins, so you answered my question. Looks like the Integra will finally be retired. Thanks again!

 

[swechsler]

I was hoping to use the Integra as a power amp (paired with something like a smaller vintage Marantz that has a great sounding tuner and phono stage), but this particular Integra does not have main-ins.

I don't think I've ever seen a multi-channel AVR made in the last 20 years that had preamp inputs. Doesn't mean there hasn't been one, but I've looked at many, many over the years from all the major brands.

I do have a Pioneer AVR that has preamp inputs for the front channels, but it's a Pro-Logic receiver from 1989!