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  1. 02-13-2005 11:46 AM #1
    dkg999
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    Default Alternative to Pre-Amp?

    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 ......... ?
    DKG999
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    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  2. 02-13-2005 11:55 AM #2
    George Grand
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    Default

    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)
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  3. 02-13-2005 12:01 PM #3
    George Grand
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    Default

    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)
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  4. 02-13-2005 12:02 PM #4
    dkg999
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    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!
    DKG999
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    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  5. 02-13-2005 12:22 PM #5
    George Grand
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    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)
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  6. 02-13-2005 12:42 PM #6
    dorokusai
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    Default

    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.
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  7. 02-13-2005 12:56 PM #7
    dkg999
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    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.
    DKG999
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    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  8. 02-14-2005 09:37 AM #8
    steveinaz
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    Look at the Monolithic PA-1 passive/active preamp. Very nice.
    Last edited by steveinaz; 02-14-2005 at 11:29 AM.

    Source: C.E.C. CD-3300 CD Transport
    DAC: Benchmark DAC/PRE
    Linestage: Placette Audio Passive
    Power Amp: Parasound HCA-1500A
    Speakers: Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 Monitor

    Stop dissecting and start listening. - Steve in Arizona
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  9. 02-14-2005 10:38 AM #9
    TroyD
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    I think a passive preamp is a STELLAR idea....

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

    BDT
    I ALWAYS use an ass-gasket. Never hover because of splash down and back splatter. I also float landing pad made from TP for a soft landing to avoid the above. One can never be too cautious when dealing with the general public. - RonP
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  10. 02-14-2005 10:55 AM #10
    RuSsMaN
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    http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.html

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

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  11. 02-14-2005 11:15 AM #11
    tryrrthg
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    Default

    There's also Goldpoint using high quality Vishay-Dale resistors.

    Creek makes some inexpensive passive units also.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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