pre-amp between A/V receiver and integrated amp

[JorisC]

Currently I have hooked up my Front Left & Right speakers via pre-out (Yamaha RX-V3900) to my integrated amp (Rotel RA-1062), to enjoy both music and TV/movies through my B&W DM6 speakers. I hooked it up like the video in the How To section.

Thing is for watching TV/movies, I have to put the volume on the RA-1062 half way open, and when I want to listen music/radio I have to turn the volume of the RA-1062 down again (a lot) to not blow the fragile DM6 speakers (tweeters) or to prevent the Mrs. becoming deaf while changing from TV to Radio.

Question is can I install a pre-amp (like RC1070) between the A/V receiver and the integrated RA1062, to have the same volume levels on the inputs of the RA1062 integrated?

IS Situation:

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input Tape2 RA1062 -> DM6

Option 1:

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input pre-amp RC1070 / pre out -> input Tape2 RA1062 -> DM6

Option 2:

use the RA-1062 as the pre-amp and buying a pre-amp with power amp (RC1070/RB1080) to drive the DM6

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input RA1062 / pre out -> input Tape2 RC1070/RB1080 -> DM6

I have a Logitech Harmony One programmed to Watch TV (turning on everything including stereo integrated on the right input).

Thanks a bunch,
Joris

 

[margetti]

I used to have the same configuration of using pre-outs into integrated amp, which came with the same problems you describe... then came across one of these - http://www.beresford.me/PP/TC2D7220_AUDIO_ROUTER.html

Not remote controllable unfortuantely, but otherwise brilliant! As good as the pre-out config is for using AV & integrated amps with the same set of speakers, I found it compromised the surround sound experience somewhat. Now I have the best of both worlds at the press of a button

 

[oldric_naubhoff]

IS Situation:

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input Tape2 RA1062 -> DM6

I thought so. you're using pre outs (variable output) from the AVR into integrated amp which is a problem here.

try instead using a fixed output from the AVR. something like tape out is a fixed output. the difference this configuration will bring; your integrated amp will see the AVR as, for instance, a CDP or tuner or DAC. so you will only be changing volume for front L&R speakers with volume control on the integrated amp and volume control in the AVR will be responsible for centre and rears. I know this solution will need more adjusting balance of the speakers "by ear" but you'll avoid spending money.

I thing putting another preamp in between the AVR and the integrated amp will solve nothing because preamp section in the integrated amp will not be bypassed anyway.

if you hind my solution useless there's no other thing for you to do but to buy another integrated amp with HT bypass or buy a power amp and then use the AVR as the preamp for the power amp.

 

[margetti]

IS Situation:

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input Tape2 RA1062 -> DM6

I thought so. you're using pre outs (variable output) from the AVR into integrated amp which is a problem here.

No, the setup is correct but comes with the problem the OP describes if the integrated doesn't have a unity-gain feature.

 

[Sorreltiger]

It sounds to me that there isn't anything wrong with your set-up. When you listen to music (with the AV amp off) you will have to adjust the amp appropriately.

 

[JorisC]

No, there's nothing wrong with my setup.

Indeed, my integrated RA-1062 does not have a unity gain function. So it is inconvenient to adjust the volume of the integrated while changing from listening to music to watching TV/DVD and vica versa.

Think I'll have a look for the Beresford option. Unless there are other ones?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Ben123]

No, there's nothing wrong with my setup.

Indeed, my integrated RA-1062 does not have a unity gain function. So it is inconvenient to adjust the volume of the integrated while changing from listening to music to watching TV/DVD and vica versa.

Think I'll have a look for the Beresford option. Unless there are other ones?

Thanks for the replies.

Im afraid there arent any other options (to my knowledge) other than the beresford. There plenty of speakers switches that will run several sets of speakers off one amp, but nothing that lets you switch between 2 amps. I too used to have pre-outs on my AV amp connected to my integrated but i soon got tired of changing volumes and worrying about one day blowing my speakers.

Get the tc-7220 and this will make life a lot easier !

 

[The_Lhc]

IS Situation:

Yamaha RX-V3900 L&R pre-outs -> input Tape2 RA1062 -> DM6

I thought so. you're using pre outs (variable output) from the AVR into integrated amp which is a problem here.

try instead using a fixed output from the AVR. something like tape out is a fixed output.

That isn't going to work, the tape out will probably be a stereo downmix of all the channels, rather than the discrete L and R front channels.

 

[Finguz]

Is this the kind of thing we are talking about?

http://www.amazon.de/Dynavox-AMP-S-Verst%C3%A4rker-Boxen-Umschalter-schwarz/dp/B0047N09K2