Alternative to Pre-Amp?

[dkg999]

In reference to the thread where I scored a Parasound HCA-1500 amplifier, I thought I would start this as a new thread.

If my 2 ch. system will only have a CD player and no other inputs, is there an alternative to using a standard pre-amp? Is there something that will take the place of the pre-amp for a single input and give me volume control (manually or via remote)? I never use tone controls and have my current int. amp set to direct path.

And the answer from the experts is ......... ?

[George Grand]

Absotively. A cd or dvd player with variable intensity outputs that can truly reach down to ZERO output from the machine. Stick that sucker right into the power amps inputs and have a ball. Done it a million times.

If the power amp has input level controls, you can accomplish the same thing with a fixed intensity output cd/dvd player. Done it a million times.

ATTENZIONE!!!!!!

This can be dangerous with variable output cassette decks or reel decks. Spurious signals from the decks motors engaging can find their way to the amp and this is not good.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

[George Grand]

Additionally, this can also be accomplished via the variable intensity outputs from a cd players HEADPHONE jack. Just need to get a cable with two male RCA plugs on one end, and whatever the cd player headphone jack requires at the other end.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

[dkg999]

George - My Cambridge Audio Azure 640C CDP doesn't have variable outputs, and I don't want to upgrade it at the moment. The Parasound has level controls, but they are on the back of the amp. Your thoughts are good, and unfortunately don't seem to work with what I have. Thanks for suggesting some alternatives though!

[George Grand]

Your arms too short to reach around the back, or are they recessed controls you have to adjust with a screwdriver?

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

[dorokusai]

They aren't recessed but I would find individual channel gain controls a pain in the ass after about 2 days.

Get a pre-amp or a CDP with variable output.

[dkg999]

Doro - I agree, I don't think the gain controls on the rear of the amp would work too well! I'm looking at the Creek passive pre-amp with remote volume control as an alternative.

[steveinaz]

Look at the Monolithic PA-1 passive/active preamp. Very nice.

[TroyD]

I think a passive preamp is a STELLAR idea....

I used and Adcom SLC-505 for a long time and loved it.

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.html

Starting at $125, defines THE passive line stage market today.

Cheers,
Russ

[tryrrthg]

There's also Goldpoint (http://www.goldpt.com/index.html) using high quality Vishay-Dale resistors.

Creek makes some inexpensive passive units also.