I'm looking for a preamp that will drive multiple amps. Currently, I'm running two Yamaha PC2002M amps driving four NS-1000M's. I'm going CD direct into a pair of Roland SEQ-331 mono-block EQ's and then splitting the signal to the amps. I will eventually add more speakes and PC2002M amps but I feel my preamp setup is nearing the limit. So, I have a few preamp questions and would appreciate your help.

How many times can I split a preamp out signal without degrading the sound quality? Can you suggest a preamp with multiple outputs? This setup is decidedly Pro Audio so I'm looking for a preamp with the same black industrial look as my amp and EQ's. Suggestions?

i dunno. i use a splitter in my main rig and a secondary rig with excellent results, but i'm not splitting multiple times.

the only pre i've used with multiple outs is a NAD ... i am sure that plenty of quality pre's have this feature.

I think the Philips SC-80 (black version of the champagne Marantz SC-80) can do this- the markings are kinda odd.

Also, the vintage Sansui CA-2000 can do this.

And I think the PSE Studio One, and possibly the PSE SL.



Come to think of it, I was also looking at B&K pres, PS Audio pres, Parasound pres, and Rotel pres. Some of these had dual provisions too.


I'm tired as I just got home from work. Did I help at all?



I'll check my PSE later for you and report back.

Of the preamps with dual outputs that I have had include:

Nakamichi 610 & 630 http://www.audiofriends.nl/audiofriends/na...stemoneenglish/

Sansui CA-3000 http://www.classicsansui.net/DefinitionSeries.htm

SAE 2900 This is a Parametric EQ preamp http://www.davidsaudio.com/html/sae.html

GAS Thoebe http://www.davidsaudio.com/html/gas_sumo.html

I have not owned one but I am sure the Theadra Preamp from GAS would also have dual out puts.

As far as how many times you can split the signal I don't know much about doing that, two outputs have been sufficient.

Jim

The Adcom GFP-565 and Parsound PLD-1100 each have dual outputs, and are often available used at good prices on ebay, and other sites. I have used both, and prefer the Parasound, which I'm still using to this day. I use one set of outputs to my main amp (Adcom GFA-5800) and the other set to the inputs of my subwoofer. That way, I can drive my main speakers (Dahlquist DQ-10's) full range.

For not degrading audio signal you could use imo and because i'm a big Behringer fan, the Behringer MX-882 and for preamp you can use also from Behringer the preamp Tube Ultragain T1953.
It has awesome looks, too.

Btw, you can download now for free the full Behringer catalog, here:
http://www.behringer.com/

Thanks AUDIO FRIENDS for your replies! Seeing all those preamp choices reminds me how much I DON'T KNOW about audio!!

My main goal is to maintain signal strength to my multi-amp setup. My current preamp-less setup is open and airy and if I can find a preamp that preserves this, I'm good to go.

Ideally, I want some sort of router, like the Behringer. If I get into phono, I'll run a separate phono amp. And, if I ever run a tuner (unlikely), I'll use one with variable out.

Anyways, this is an ongoing project. For me, the search and discovery process is just as much fun as completing my system.

The older Bryston 11b & 12b(with MC input) has both Balanced and RCA outputs, it would seem you could use both at the same time to drive multiple amps. Also they have separate controls and outputs for the TAPE loop which are line level could drive another set of amps.

http://www.bryston.ca/BrystonSite05/pdfs/L...NERS_MANUAL.pdf

This is the master link to the Bryston library:

http://www.bryston.ca/BrystonSite05/BrystonDocs.html


Let me know what you think!

Ginovino: Thanks for the Bryston links. My friend is looking at the 4B so I'll forward your links.

IIRC, the PC2002M has XLR inputs and outputs. I think mutliple amps can be "daisy chained" using XLR cables. I don't have enough jumpers to try but I think this is the way to go to minimize loss.

My Yammie C-4 has dual pre-out. Output #1 goes directly to AR subwoofer - then to a DIY Poweramp - then to pair of NS-1000's. Pre-out #2 splits with one leg going to a Yamaha M-4 poweramp - then to a pair of NS-690's. The other leg goes to a second DIY Poweramp - then to a pair of NS-1000M's . I would say you can split them til they sound like crap.Its going to depend on the amplifiers input sensitivity I guess. Go for it ..what have you got to lose besides a couple bucks on phono-splitters Vs. A fanatastic wall of sound..God be willing!

Avionic, you have an awesome setup. I listened to my wall of sound for several hours today and I'm still hearing new stuff in my old CD's.

The PC2002M cannot be daisy chained like the earlier P2200 so I stand corrected. I am currently splitting one to four and haven't detected any loss of fidelity. By going CD to EQ to splitters to power amps, I'm trying to keep the signal path short to minimize loss.

Thanks SoCal... Three sets of 1000's aint to shabby either..

I would wire the speakers in parallel + series a la Dynaco instead.

*Warning*
*Opinion ahead!*
And while I was at it, I'd build/buy a nice Tube preamp and ditch the yamahas amps for a Threshold or even a nice Krell. Cause I've owned a lot of amps and preamps and Yamaha isn't on the top of my list in either category.

Damage: Thanks for the "Opinion Ahead Warning". Most tubers place tubes next to air condition and sliced bread and that in my book is plain wrong. I've heard plenty of tubes including VTL, H/K Citation II, Macs, and Dynaco and I am not a convert. They are not particularly accurate. While the sound is appealing and engaging, tubes are not all that versatile and some genres like rock and pop sound terrible. Again, IMO. Cheers!

in my limited experience with tubes, i've had good results. based on that, my impression is that matching of components is much more important with tube gear than with ss gear. tubes definitely have their place, proper implimentation is the key.

the few rigs i've heard that featured an all tube front end made for an amazing sound that ss gear cannot replicate, regardless of genre or style of music.