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Mac 1700 as a Preamp Question

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DJReese

Member
I have a Mac 1700 that is on good condition. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how I could use this as a pre amp?

I am currently using Tidal-MODI- Yamaha CR=600 (working as a Preamp) - Boyuurange Tube Amp - Klipsch La Scalas, with two Klipsch powered 10" subs.

I am pretty happy with the set up, but I was wondering how it would sound with the Mac as my preamp, but I dont think there is a way to use it as a preamp as I am currently using my Yamaha.

Thanks in advance for the help.
 
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I assume your question is how to connect the subs? Because the 1700 IS a preamp, (also a tuner of course) no reason you can’t use it as one.
 
The MAC1700 doesn't have PRE OUT/MAIN IN jack facilities so most here will say no, a MAC1700 cannot be used in such a manner.

However, with the use of a 1/4" stereo headphone jack pin to L & R RCA adapter cable, I got excellent results by tapping the headphone jack.
 
62caddy said:
The MAC1700 doesn't have PRE OUT/MAIN IN jack facilities so most here will say no, a MAC1700 cannot be used in such a manner. However, with the use of a 1/4" stereo headphone jack pin to L & R RCA adapter cable, I got excellent results be tapping the headphone jack.
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Interesting, I did not think about that. Your correct I am not trying to use the Mac's amp to power my speakers, I want the Tube amp to do the power work. Thanks
 
BamaBilly said:
I assume your question is how to connect the subs? Because the 1700 IS a preamp, (also a tuner of course) no reason you can’t use it as one.
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I actually do not want to use the Mac to power the speakers, I want the Tube amp to do that work. I wanted to use the Mac as a tone control and input. I am trying to get a better sound pre tube amp.
 
62caddy said:
Keep in mind that only the tuner section of the MAC1700 is tube - if that's what you're saying.
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I am aware of this, but I was still wondering how the Mac would sound.

I really want a pure tube pre amp with tone control, but they are expensive.
 
DJReese said:
I am aware of this, but I was still wondering how the Mac would sound.

I really want a pure tube pre amp with tone control, but they are expensive.
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I would imagine that if the 1700 were up to spec it would sound really good. If you mostly stream perhaps a tube DAC would get the sound you’re looking for?
 
BamaBilly said:
I would imagine that if the 1700 were up to spec it would sound really good. If you mostly stream perhaps a tube DAC would get the sound you’re looking for?
Click to expand...

I am trying to get my turntables back up and running. I used to DJ so I have some 1200's that need tuning up.
Any good suggestions on Tube DAC's?

Also any suggestions on where to send my MAC to be brought back to specs? I really want to bring it back to its glory and drive my JBL L36's?
 
DJReese said:
I am trying to get my turntables back up and running. I used to DJ so I have some 1200's that need tuning up.
Any good suggestions on Tube DAC's?

Also any suggestions on where to send my MAC to be brought back to specs? I really want to bring it back to its glory and drive my JBL L36's?
Click to expand...

Audio Classics. Make sure to order the double box from them before shipping. No opinion on tube DACs.
 
+1 on Audio Classics, my preamp and monoblocks both worked on by them and nothing but good things to say. Another consideration would be a tube phono pre WITH a DAC, then you’re covering both bases. I run my table through a tube phono pre and absolutely love the sound, no DAC though. I’ll look into it.
 
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