Do I use two preamps at one time: Oppo 105 + integrated amp?

[Chaloff]

Hi friends,

I can adjust volume control on my Oppo. I am too far from electronics, but I guess this means that the Oppo's preamp is used. Oppo is connected with the integrated amp in a normal way. Does this mean that the signal is processed by two preamps?

And isn't it stupid?

If yes, then how can switch the Oppo's preamp off? Could not find a hint in the manual.

Thanks to all!

 

[Crossie]

I am struggling to understand your problem. What does" I am too far from electronics mean"? I am sure if you rephrase the question you will get some help.

 

[AlbaBrown]

If the volume keys on the Oppo remote are providing volume adjustment (with a corresponding volume read out appearing on the front panel), then the Oppo is indeed acting as a preamp (by providing a variable output).

You do not need to do this if you are happy operating the volume on the NAD.

Go into the Oppos Setup menu and to the Audio Processing section. You will find an option for Audio Output, giving the option of Variable or FIXED.

(Make sure you haven't got the NADs volume hugely cranked up when you do this!)

 

[Al ears]

If the volume keys on the Oppo remote are providing volume adjustment (with a corresponding volume read out appearing on the front panel), then the Oppo is indeed acting as a preamp (by providing a variable output).

You do not need to do this if you are happy operating the volume on the NAD.

Go into the Oppos Setup menu and to the Audio Processing section. You will find an option for Audio Output, giving the option of Variable or FIXED.

(Make sure you haven't got the NADs volume hugely cranked up when you do this!)

+1. That's the way to do it.

 

[Chaloff]

I am struggling to understand your problem. What does" I am too far from electronics mean"? I am sure if you rephrase the question you will get some help.

Just drop it, Crossie

 

[Chaloff]

If the volume keys on the Oppo remote are providing volume adjustment (with a corresponding volume read out appearing on the front panel), then the Oppo is indeed acting as a preamp (by providing a variable output).

You do not need to do this if you are happy operating the volume on the NAD.

Go into the Oppos Setup menu and to the Audio Processing section. You will find an option for Audio Output, giving the option of Variable or FIXED.

(Make sure you haven't got the NADs volume hugely cranked up when you do this!)

+1. That's the way to do it.

AlbaBrown, Alears, thanks indeed. I am affraid to be boring, but I'll ask to be 100% sure. Does the chosen option FIXED switch Oppo's preamp off completely?

 

[Chaloff]

If the volume keys on the Oppo remote are providing volume adjustment (with a corresponding volume read out appearing on the front panel), then the Oppo is indeed acting as a preamp (by providing a variable output).

You do not need to do this if you are happy operating the volume on the NAD.

Actually I am not at all happy with the NAD's volume control. I described it here: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/musical-fidelity-m3i-amp-damping-factor-36-critical in post No.7. So after choosing FIXED I am coming back to this problem.

The reason why I started the current thread is because I've heard that if you connect Oppo to a power amp using Oppo's integrated pre, the sound is too cold and analitical. I only do not know which preamp is influencing harder in the scheme that I described at the beginning. But I switched to FIXED as you advised and I think that the sound is more "musical". In fact I like the latter. Need more time to audition.

Thanks!

 

[Crossie]

As long as everything is sorted out all is fine. I'm not looking to be difficult just trying to clarify things. Anyway OP seems to have the answer he needed.

 

[Chaloff]

Anyway OP seems to have the answer he needed.

Not quite. I asked a clarification.

 

[Al ears]

Anyway OP seems to have the answer he needed.

Not quite. I asked a clarification.

Hopefully to answer your question the preamp is not technically 'off'' it is still operating but passing a fixed signal.

I do not believe that setting 'fixed' output actually bypasses the preamp section.

 

[Chaloff]

Hopefully to answer your question the preamp is not technically 'off'' it is still operating but passing a fixed signal.

I do not believe that setting 'fixed' output actually bypasses the preamp section.

Well, then I'm really lost. What is the use of switching it to Fixed as there are still two preamps working? Moreover when set to Fixed it shows 100% of volume. Most probably it means that Oppo's pre has maximum output.

 

[BigH]

I guess fixed just sets the volume at max. But for you I think you need to set it at a lower output so you have more control on your NAD and get it off the min. setting?

 

[Al ears]

I'd read the manual if you haven't already done so.

If using the Oppo just for stereo music through an integrated amp I suggest you use the fixed setting as this means all control over volume is passed to the integrated amp. You would use Variable if you were passing signal to a power amp.

 

[BigH]

I'd read the manual if you haven't already done so.

If using the Oppo just for stereo music through an integrated amp I suggest you use the fixed setting as this means all control over volume is passed to the integrated amp. You would use Variable if you were passing signal to a power amp.

I think you need to read of this to understand the problem: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/musical-fidelity-m3i-amp-damping-factor-36-critical

 

[Chaloff]

I guess fixed just sets the volume at max. But for you I think you need to set it at a lower output so you have more control on your NAD and get it off the min. setting?

BigH,

Indeed I was thinking this way. But. I am affraid that the signal from Oppo would not be so to say "clean".

Or in other words can you advise - 5% of Oppo volume + 95% of Nad preamp volume feeding the Nad power amp - is it the same SQ as 95% of Oppo and 5% of Nad pre? As I said I'm not expert in electronics, but still...

 

[Chaloff]

Thanks, guys,

Need to go to bed. It's almost 2 a.m. here in Moscow. Will revert tomorrow.

Cheers! :cheers:

 

[BigH]

I think the only way is to experiment. I would not go as low as 5% on the Oppo but try 30% -60% and then turn the NAD up or down. I do the same on my soundcard when playing music from my pc, I can't tell any difference. If you have to have the NAD at very low volume that can't be a good thing. Back to attentures, that why people use them so they can use their amps at the sweet spot which is often around 10-11 o'clock on the volume dial.

 

[Chaloff]

I think the only way is to experiment. I would not go as low as 5% on the Oppo but try 30% -60% and then turn the NAD up or down. I do the same on my soundcard when playing music from my pc, I can't tell any difference. If you have to have the NAD at very low volume that can't be a good thing. Back to attentures, that why people use them so they can use their amps at the sweet spot which is often around 10-11 o'clock on the volume dial.

BigH, you say you wouldn't go for 5%. But why?! This is what I am saying. We suppose that at 5% it might be not good. But we do not know the reason. I am just seeking for the reason. Maybe there would be some distortion (not audible) or anything else. The difference between 5% and 30-60% is immence in any sphere. And the difference between 30-60% and 100% too. Why then 30-60 are ok? Didn't mean to offend anyway.