Small Tube Preamp into Integrated Amplifier

[Bossa44]

Hi!, I have a small tube pre-amp (the kind you buy on amazon for 70-80$). When I plug the tube pre-amp into my integrated amplifier (Cambridge AXR100), I get a lot of distortion. Is this even possible as a combo or would the tube pre-amp only work with a power amp (with no pre-stage). I'm not sure if the tube pre-amp is just a bad one or if I'm doing something wrong...

I get the same issue when I plug the tube preamp into my Yamaha receiver.

Thanks

 

[Vincent Kars]

I get the same issue when I plug the tube preamp into my Yamaha receiver.

As it is a pre-amp, it must have volume control. If it distorts even at moderate volume level, it is broken or bad quality or a typical tube amp.....

 

[Bossa44]

As it is a pre-amp, it must have volume control. If it distorts even at moderate volume level, it is broken or bad quality or a typical tube amp.....

Thanks Vincent, I just wondered if maybe the issue was with the fact that it's going through two pre-amp stages (the one in the tube preamp and the one in the integrated amp)

 

[Vincent Kars]

I just wondered if maybe the issue was with the fact that it's going through two pre-amp stages

The question is the output level.
If your tubed pre-amp output more than common RCA line level, it will distort as it is "frying" the AXR100. If the level is modest (below 2V) it simply distorts.

 

[gasolin]

you need pre out and main in if you wanna use it for all your inputs