AMC-1100 Pre-Amp

[Zero]

Im aware that not too many threads below I posted a long drawn out-review *that seemed to go no-where*, so I will attempt to do so one last time, except for this time around my focus will be on the AMC-1100 pre-amp.

I purchased it at www.audiovideoshopper.com for 107.00 *that includes shipping*. Great prices there, but the service is extremely questionable at the very least.

In short, its a friggen bargin. Though its rival (in my case, thats the Carver CT-3) gave it a good fight, the AMC1100 simply ran all over the Carver at less then half the cost. The pre-amp is extremely quiet, you can turn the knob to full volume and wont hear a peep of noise.

The AMC1100 is suprisingly solid, and well built. It sports an incredibly easy faceplate to work with, offering:
Phones/Balance/Bass/Treble

The source selector covers: phono-aux/cd/tuner/dvd/multimedia/mix

It has 2 PRE-AMP outs.

Its sound is clear and precise....it adds virtually nothing to the signal, what you hear is essentially what its recieving.

I havent even turned the dial to 50 percent power, at 30 the Carver is pumping out enough wattage to drive my Polks with incredible ease...

For the price, this pre-amp is nothing short of amazing. Ive now made up the decision to sell the Carver CT-3.

The only complaint I have with the AMC1100 would be their knobs (not metal or hard plastic), and it can be a bit bright. Turning treble down solves that problem however.

If any of you have the extra cash just laying around, go on a limb and give it a shot.

It mates perfectly well with my AMC CD6, and Carver M200t amp

[VGANNON]

DOES IT HAVE OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUTS FOR THE DVD AND CD PLAYER

[RuSsMaN]

No, it does not have internal DAC's, and is a 2ch only pre....

[Zero]

VGannon, Russ answered ya quite well. No digital or fiber optics in's and outs. This pre-amp is incredibly basic.

As for 2 channel only, Im not so sure on that one. I saw 2 pre-amp outs on there.......

[RuSsMaN]

Originally posted by ATCVenom
I saw 2 pre-amp outs on there.......

Bi-amping made easy.....

[Zero]

Ahhhhh gotcha :)

Too bad it wouldnt work with mono blocks.

[RuSsMaN]

Why not? 4 preouts (2L/2R), 4 monos......

[Zero]

Russ, you suppose to agree.

I have had my eyes on Marantz MA-500 monos. :D

[smglbrth]

ATC, Just a few quick questions on that AMC.

First - How many outlets does it have in the back? (I know this question seems stupid but I don't have the luxury of outlets in my home, this house was made when electricity wasn't standard yet.)

Second - You said the knobs are not to your liking but didn't specify. Do they have the "steps" in them like the older equipment? What's the gain like in your opinion?

I've read about this model on AudioReview and people seem to like it, especially for the price so figured I'd ask you some more specific questions.

Thanks!

[Zero]

Smglbrth,

I am going to have to go by memory here, as I do not have the pre-amp by me at the moment. I really only remember one outlet on it.

The only beef I had with the knobs, were the hard rubbery type material, instead of using traditional metal. And they dont all seem to align perfectly when straight up, but its very minor. The gain is very smooth, no steps.

[gidrah]

It's been that way for a couple of weeks. WOW! what a preamp. Sleek, small, simple & quiet as all hell. I want to do a direct comparison between this, a Dynaco PAT4, Sansui 9090DB receiver's pre-outs & and my buddys DBX pre. Maybe someday. For now I noticed at immediate noise reduction between the AMC and the Dynaco. The Dynaco made my Altecs sound better than my Monitor Audios. The AMC made my Monitors sound better than the Altecs. Too many variables right now that I've gotta figure out.


I'm currently burning in some new speaker cables (been going about 4 days at low volume). At last listen great highs and mids. The lows are tight, but not as deep. If the lows don't come around, I'll pull out some 14yr. old Monster to bi-wire the woofers.

I like the knobs. They are metal, but have a recessed rubber band around them. Positve feel of integrity without the slipping with chicken fingers.

Summary: While I would love to be able to do a head to head (to multiple head) comparison between a few choices. Concentrating on tonal quality, imaging, soundstage & gain. I suck, but this pre doesn't.

[gidrah]

BTW - The packaging and manual are as basic as the controls. Very minimal.