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Tube Preamp w/ Integrated Amp

Okra

Okra

Active Member
Hello...
I have an Arcam SA20. I'm currently using the pre-out for my subwoofer and also utilize the HT bypass when watching movies. I love this amp, but I've got a bug I can't shake which is I want to experience the tube sound for music.
Before I jump down the speaker hunting rabbit hole, I want to hear what effect tubes have on my B&W CM5s. I have been looking at some Schiit tube preamps. My question today is without altering its current connectivity state can I connect a preamp to my Arcam and if so, how do I make the connections? Thanks!

arcam_sa20_back.jpg
 
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Without main in jacks I don't know how you would do it without splicing into the connection between the preamp and amp sections.
 
You're Arcam doesn't have "Main amp" input capabilities so you can't use the preamp there, but you can use the tube preamp at the CD (same as aux) input but you would also introduce more noise as preamp going into preamp having two preamps and controls to contend with.
 
HT bypass bypasses the preamp so instead of using it with my AVR would I be able to connect a preamp this way?
 
You could try it and it won't hurt anything, but doesn't that bypass switch just bypass the tone controls and not the volume control?

A true power amp has no volume control as it is the job of the preamp.
 
I guess you coud set the volume control all the way up on the integrated amp and use the preamp volume. If you don't have enough range on the volume control you can turn the volume down some on the integrsted amp. I have a power amp with gain controls and a tube amp with a volume control on it. When using a preamp on that amp I just turn the volume control all the way up on the amplifier.
 
In HT bypass I set the volume on the Arcam to match the center channel volume but in that mode all volume (amp and AVR) are controlled through the AVR which essentially is acting as the preamp in this case so I'm not sure. At any rate it may be a moot point as I listened to some Magnepans today and this changes what I'm thinking as far as 2 channel audio.
 
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