• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Help finding a way to connect everything!

R

Rants86

New Member
Hello, first time poster. Figured this might be the best thread to post about this, I hope.

Anyway, I have a slight problem. I have a pair of klipsch powered stereo speakers (r-15pm) with have a ton of inputs (optical, usb, phono, aux). For awhile now I just had my turntable plugged straight into the speakers, I’m now adding more audio sources to my collection and need more inputs. Basically I need a device that will switch audio sources (with a remote too), has a headphone jack (for when I’m listening privately), and most importantly have a simple line out for my powered speakers. The speakers have a remote but it’s not that great and id like a remote that’s better than an ir remote. Also the speakers don’t have a display to show volume level.

I know I can make this a lot easier on myself by getting passive speakers and getting a stereo receiver but I like my speakers and I’m kinda looking to do this for a cheap as possible. I just wish there was a way to get stereo receiver feature, while being able to bypass the receiver’s amp.

I’ll need at least 5 inputs (phono, cd, cassette, pc, and eventually a reel to reel). Bluetooth would be a must as well.

Know I’m asking for a lot, it’s a pretty specific peice of hardware that I’m pretty sure doesn’t exist... But any and all help would be much appreciated!! Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
What you're looking for is called a preamp,and they typically come in passive and active types.
Which type of preamp you choose mostly depends on your specific needs & tastes,honestly either can work for your situation.
Anyhow the line out RCA connectors from the preamp will go to the RCA input connectors of your current speaker (the right one IIRC).
You then just set the RCA input switch to "line" instead of phono.
Then all your other sources get connected to the preamp inputs.

Now the tough part will be the bluetooth as that means it'll need to be a fairly modern preamp.
But there should be something out there that can accomodate your needs.

Remote control should'nt be a deal breaker though,plenty of preamps out there have that option.
Neither would be the headphone jack,that's pretty standard too,some even have seperate volume controls.

PC will likely do best to use a seperate external DAC.
But many newer preamps do have internal DACs as well,so again it just depends which specific unit you end up with.
Though the PC could also be conneted to the USB -or- optical input on the speaker and completely bypass the preamp itself.
The only problem then is you'll have to use the volume control on the speakers and not the preamp.
So you would have to use the speaker's remote,and you said you're not too happy with the current one,so a DAC would be the best option.

Now mind you 5 inputs is a lot of inputs,but one of those would be a phono input and those are usually considered a seperate input.
So you would really need a preamp with 4 inputs and a phono input.
Again that's not too uncommon to find them like that.
But do note that many older preamps often only have 3 inputs.
So you'll have to be sure to check for that.

But keep in mind any "tape" input can also be used for a typical line level input,
And many older preamps often had two tape loops,so that may be an option as well.

Good luck with the hunt,more folks will be along shortly with further advice and suggestions.
And I'm pretty sure they'll be more thorough/specific than I was here.

But it'll really help speed things up if you can tell us what sorta budget you're working with here.

HTH and welcome to AK.

Bret P.
 
Last edited:
As mentioned above, provide us with your spending budget and you will get specific manufacturer/model recommendations. And most likely links to the item(s) and where to buy. We're that kinda people. :)
 
Welcome to AK!

A newer "networked" AVR used as a pre-amp would do the trick but you will have to dig deep into the owners manual to check to see exactly how it can be configured. You will not be using the internal amplifiers but this is still likely to be less expensive than a true pre-amp.

Option # 1 - Use the Zone 2 output to feed your powered speakers. Check manual to see if it can be configured as "variable" level output so the AVR remote controls the overall volume. If not, control via the powered speakers. Please note that many AVRs will not pass digital sources (HDMI from Blu-Ray for example) to Zone 2 so this may be a deal breaker.

Option # 2 - Use the front pre-outs to feed the powered speakers. This is the simple way to accomplish everything you want except that line level pre-outs are only found on the better, meaning more expensive, AVRs. No issues with signal source. The Yamaha RX-A780 is an example of what you would be looking for. Others may be cheaper but I am familiar with the Yamaha line.

Hint - now is a good time to shop Craigslist for a used AVR since lots were upgraded over Christmas. With a little luck you can find 4 to 5 year old unit for $200 rather than spending $800+ for new.

Good luck!
 
This has all helped a lot, big thanks to everyone! I’ll definitely be looking into your ideas. This has been a lot more helpful then most other forums I’ve tried, most other people just say I need to sell my existing stuff and spend a large amount of money. As for my spending limit I’d say I’d prefer to spend $200 or under.
 
The NAD Integrated Amplifier doesn't provide pre-outs for your powered speakers or have bluetooth which you had listed as one of your requirements. Nice piece of gear but I don't think it will do what you are looking for.

This appears to cover all the bases...but I'm really not familiar with Integra.
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...-x-80-watts-networking-stereo-receiver/1.html

Where are you located? Sometimes an AK member will check your local Craigslist and suggest a couple of used pieces to check out. The killer deal may be a short drive away.
 
I also recommend the used AVR maybe 3 years old. People are always upgrading so you should be able to find one with Bluetooth, networking and streaming apps. Yamaha makes a nice remote app for your phone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom