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Preamp vs EQ loop output levels?

N

NW1

Active Member
Among my gear, I have:

Hafler DH-101 preamp
Hafler DH-200 power amp
Kenwood GE-7020 Equalizer

The Hafler preamp has an EQ loop but doesn't seem to be as well-regardless as the power amp. Additionally, I'd like the convenience of remote power, volume and source selection, so a modern/newer preamp is in order for this setup. Since the marketplace has mostly moved away from EQ loops, would it be practical to insert the Kenwood equalizer between the preamp (preamp out) and power amp (power amp in) ?

Not sure if there are any output strength issues to be considered.

Thank you.
 
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You have the gear to be able to try it, so I suggest you try it. Insert the EQ in between your preamp and your power amp.

It is possible that the output level of the preamp will be too much for the EQ, which should be revealed by trying it. You can start off with the volume control on your preamp down low, and then gradually turn it up while playing music that is at a constant volume. If you start to overdrive the input of the EQ, you will start to get distortion that you don't get with it not connected between the preamp and power amp. If you start to get distortion, turn it down and then shut it off and disconnect it, knowing that that EQ is not suitable for that hookup. If you can turn up the preamp to really high levels, such that it is still crystal clear and the sound is so loud you cannot stand it, then it would appear to be suitable for hookup between the preamp and power amp.

Still, I personally would prefer a preamp with a tape monitor loop or a processor loop, as you may at some point want to add some other processor, and that one may not be suitable for use between a preamp and a power amp.
 
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One other thing: Another reason a tape monitor/processor loop is better is because then you can switch the EQ or other processor completely out of the signal path if you wish to do so.

I recommend that you do the experiment I suggested, to see if you can get away with your EQ in between the preamp and power amp, but I would still be looking for a preamp that has a tape monitor/processor loop, as it is better. I know it is possible to get a used preamp that has a remote and has a tape monitor, but I don't know if anyone is making a new one. Also, of course, people seem to have a tendency to lose remotes for their equipment, which is a bit annoying when buying used, but often one can find a used remote on eBay or some other such site if one really wants the remote. However, with a preamp, fewer tend to be sold, so finding a used remote for a preamp will tend to be harder than finding a used remote for a receiver, like an AVR. You may or may not be able to get a universal remote to work, but usually it is nicer to have the original remote.
 
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NW1 said:
Not sure if there are any output strength issues to be considered with.
Click to expand...

Haven't found a DH-100 power-amp (*), so assuming a DH-200 instead, its input sensitivity is 1.5 V for its rated output power of (2x) 100 W @ 8 Ohm.

Well, and according to the specs in the service manual for your GE-7020 its maximum output voltage is 9 V (@ 1 % THD), and the adjustment range per band would appear to be +/- 12 dB, equalling factor 4 (+12 dB) or respectively 0.25 (-12 dB).

So, while you don't need more than 1.5 V for the DH-200, the GE-7020 should at least be able to digest 2.25 V at its inputs (**), 'cause otherwise it wouldn't be able to apply a 4x/+12 dB boost to 9 V - and hence you shouldn't need to worry.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

*) Seems like the DH-100 rather was another pre-amp model.

**) Most likely quite a good bit more, though - 'cause ideally it should also work for people, who want to use it entirely in the negative/attenuating rather than the positive/boosting range (or a mix of both).
 
lini said:
Haven't found a DH-100 power-amp (*), so assuming a DH-200 instead, its input sensitivity is 1.5 V for its rated output power of (2x) 100 W @ 8 Ohm.

*) Seems like the DH-100 rather was another pre-amp model.
Click to expand...
Shame on me. I usually get the model number wrong on that one piece of gear. DH-200 its is.

Thanks for the research. Good info.
 
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