Preamp into Integrated Amp Yes or No?
- Thread starter minkybut
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Electrically there are no issues but it does beg the qestion 'Why?
I've done a similar thing when unsatisfied with the integrateds' phono stage.This was quite successful. Used tape out and not amp out, bypassing the pre section.
Another attempt was to address a speaker/int amp mismatch. While an improvement could be heard I was still unsatisfied; something not quite right.
Thankfully I only needed to dip into the amp closet to choose something more synergistic.
I've done a similar thing when unsatisfied with the integrateds' phono stage.This was quite successful. Used tape out and not amp out, bypassing the pre section.
Another attempt was to address a speaker/int amp mismatch. While an improvement could be heard I was still unsatisfied; something not quite right.
Thankfully I only needed to dip into the amp closet to choose something more synergistic.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
No reason why you can't do it, but several reasons why you shouldn't.
Ever heard the expression "too many cooks spoil the broth"? A preamp serves little purpose being fed into an integrated. You may gain more knobs to fiddle with, but you also risk "muddying" the sound.
That said, it's your stuff, go ahead and try it. If you like the results, fine.
I sure wouldn't.
Ever heard the expression "too many cooks spoil the broth"? A preamp serves little purpose being fed into an integrated. You may gain more knobs to fiddle with, but you also risk "muddying" the sound.
That said, it's your stuff, go ahead and try it. If you like the results, fine.
I sure wouldn't.
so_ein_pech
Well-Known Member
You can see here there's no pre-out or pre-in: http://www.sansui.us/images/AUG99X_00089.jpg
If you want to use the HK as an equalizer, I don't see any way around feeding it into the integrated amp. The Citation 11 is supposed to be very quiet and flat and shouldn't color the sound much (http://www.stereophile.com/solidpreamps/473hk/index.html).
The other option would be to run it through a tape loop. Then you can take it out of the signal path when you want to.
If you want to use the HK as an equalizer, I don't see any way around feeding it into the integrated amp. The Citation 11 is supposed to be very quiet and flat and shouldn't color the sound much (http://www.stereophile.com/solidpreamps/473hk/index.html).
The other option would be to run it through a tape loop. Then you can take it out of the signal path when you want to.
Well, if you don't mind amplifying the noise generated by the H/K preamp stage in the Sansui's preamp stage then go right ahead.
Remember, you'll not only have the noise of two preamp stages, but the first one will have had it's inherent noise amplified in the second preamp.
Remember, you'll not only have the noise of two preamp stages, but the first one will have had it's inherent noise amplified in the second preamp.
minkybut
AK Member
Thats right, there is no pre in or out on the Sansui. You have to use a tape loop like you would if one hooked up a regular eq. Now, sorry, here is a dumb question again. Would not hooking up a regular eq this way make as much noise as usung the HK ? Or does a regular eq not have the preamp circuitry like the HK therefore would not have a hum?
Reason I'm asking is I have tried the HK into the Sansui now. It sounds fine except when there is no music playing there is a very slight hum. When there is no music playing The more volume you turn the Sansui up the more the hum stands out. Its not noticeable though with the Sansui volume set to just before half volume and then using the HK for main volume. But Markw is correct, it does amplify the HK's preamp stage because I can hit the eq defeat button on the HK and the hum goes away.
Reason I'm asking is I have tried the HK into the Sansui now. It sounds fine except when there is no music playing there is a very slight hum. When there is no music playing The more volume you turn the Sansui up the more the hum stands out. Its not noticeable though with the Sansui volume set to just before half volume and then using the HK for main volume. But Markw is correct, it does amplify the HK's preamp stage because I can hit the eq defeat button on the HK and the hum goes away.
lautream
audio luddite
op: i claim no expertise and i'm sure you have probably decided what suits you by now, but i have to say (in response to all the "don't do it" replies you received) that the coloration of sound can sometimes be the lesser of two evils. i do this for sending my computer audio files into the auxiliary input on a marantz integrated amplifier that is far superior to the preamp feeding it. like your sansui, my marantz doesn't have a preamp input and i wouldn't use it if it did since all my other components run direct into the marantz.
after testing the sound of the computer output > preamp > integrated amp aux input vs. computer output > y cable > integrated amp auxiliary input, the sound quality of the former option destroyed that of the latter.
just one man's opinion, but to all those who might come across this thread planning to do seemingly stupid things that your equipment wasn't intended for, i suggest giving it a try and, if nothing explodes and it sounds better, hook it up that way.
after testing the sound of the computer output > preamp > integrated amp aux input vs. computer output > y cable > integrated amp auxiliary input, the sound quality of the former option destroyed that of the latter.
just one man's opinion, but to all those who might come across this thread planning to do seemingly stupid things that your equipment wasn't intended for, i suggest giving it a try and, if nothing explodes and it sounds better, hook it up that way.
What! bypassing the internal preamp on an integrated with a high end separate preamp can do wonders. The Preamp section in most older integrated is the weakest link.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
Not what the OP was asking.....eight years ago. No mention of phono stage, just using the Citation preamp in general, to get more bells and whistles.
Still not a good idea.
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
He's not bypassing the internal preamp. He's running the output of one preamp into the input of another. That/s running them in series.
