Marantz Model 3300 Center Channel

[TimLaV68]

Can I use the center channel output on my 3300 to feed the LFE input of a subwoofer?

 

[thxdave]

Only if you are feeding the output of your amp back into the switching function of the 3300.

 

[TimLaV68]

Good info. Thanks thxdave. Currently I'm not feeding back into the switching function of the preamp as I'm in a 2.1 setup. I figured a shorter path would result in a cleaner signal path. Is that an erroneous assumption?

 

[TimLaV68]

So, it's a viable option. Would I set the center channel control knob to full on, then adjust volume at the sub?

 

[thxdave]

I completely agree with you. I haven't rotated my 3300 into my current system yet. I had hopes of using the Center Output until I discovered that it had no output until the amp was routed through the switching circuit. Currently, I'm feeding the Pre Outs of my 2245 into a Y-splitter to gain access to the signal for my SVS sub. Like you, I'm not anxious to introduce more switch contacts into the final signal path. As to the gain setting I'd say yes, use the full on position and use the sub's input control to pad it down for proper levels. Anxious to hear your thoughts on this. I haven't completely ruled out using that Center Out circuit but my 2.1 system is SO simple that I don't need or have room for multiple speaker sets.

 

[TimLaV68]

In this scenario no output on the headphone jack either. A rock and a hard place. Simple enough experiment to conduct to see if there's signal degradation I suppose.

 

[TimLaV68]

SVS sub as well. SB 2000 Pro. I like it.

 

[Lavane]

The model 33 preamp I had, the model just before the 3300, didn't have a speaker selector built in, so I didn't have to take that extra step. I used the center channel out for a subwoofer at one point. It worked well.

 

[thxdave]

Similar experience here. My first "real" stereo was a Sony STR-6055 and it also featured a Center Channel output. Of course, in 1972 when I bought it (lawn mowing income!), there weren't many subs on the market (Janis, anyone?) so I believe it was a holdover from the days of speaker systems that featured a Center Channel option. Klipsch, maybe?

Which of the pre-amps of the 3300 era had a built-in Center Channel output not requiring speaker power?

 

[Lavane]

Center channel out tends to be line level out.

 

[dankik]

Center channel out tends to be line level out.

Looking at the 3300 SM schematic for the Center channel and L/R speaker outputs, it looks like they originate from the same signal (Spkr Switching Inputs) and are summed together through resistors R8 and R9.

 

[Lavane]

Looking at the 3300 SM schematic for the Center channel and L/R speaker outputs, it looks like they originate from the same signal (Spkr Switching Inputs) and are summed together through resistors R8 and R9.
View attachment 2826351

So just knocking it down from speaker level with resistors. The model 33 has a separate line level center channel circuit. I didn't know the two were so different. The 33 I had even had a separate headphone amp built in, not just resistors. Adding the speaker selector to the 3300 simplifies things.

 

[jd3rdcoast]

You probably won't be able to hear and audible difference going through the Speaker Switching Inputs. Use a good quality, short speaker wire of maybe 12-14 awg and good end connectors or tin the wire tips. But that's based solely on my experience with terrible high frequency hearing loss. YMMV