2. amps-preamps
  3. 1106022947

Am I crazy - tube pre-amp with receiver??

Hi - I am a newbie (but avid reader of this forum). I have a newbie-like question which arose from some extrapolating I am doing.

I hear you can use the TAD-150 pre-amp with the TA-30 Integrated amp, by using the TA-150 as input to the TA-30, and just leaving the volume knob of the T-30 turned up. I hear that this is supposed to provide some sort of benefit over using the TA-30 alone. What one gets outside of remote control is not clear to me - but I digress . .

I have an old Harman/Kardon 3400 reciver, who's remote control no longer works.

Now - what would happen if I plugged something like the TAD-150 pre-amp into the H/K, and used by H/K as an amp (just keep the volume turned up)? The desired result is to improve performance, incrementally work towards a better system, and regain my remote control.

Would this work? Would I see any benefit?

This weekend, I was told by a stereo salesperson that one could get the majority of tube amplification benefits by going with a tube pre-amp / SS amplifier. So I am putting 2 and 2 together here, possibly to only get 1. Ha.

Regardless, the whole point is to incrementally upgrade - and this is one way I came up with. Thoughts? Is this stupid / insane / waste of time & money?
matthew_s

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
7,093 posts
 
If the HK receiver has pre-outs AND power-ins and these two can be disconnected, you could use a tube pre-amp and connect the R&L outputs of the pre-amp to the R&L power-ins of the receiver. This would be the desired setup you seek, but I don't know if the HK has power-ins. Also, I don't know if the incremental benefit would be cost effective.

If your system is 2-channel only, I would suggest waiting until you can afford a quality integrated amp and replacing the receiver altogether. If you want to continue to use the tuner from the HK, just connect the pre-outs or tape out to the new integrated amp.

BTW, I have owned the Cayin TA-30 in both stock and fully BizzyBee mod'd styles. It is very good for the price!

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,093 posts
 
The Cayin (TAD) does not have amp inputs. When used with an external pre-amp, you simply connect the pre-amp L&R outputs to one of the inputs on the Cayin (like the aux. input). The "pre-amp" section of the Cayin is actually passive and only has the volume control pot in the circuit. You would simply turn the volume control to max. and theoretically this will pass the signal through to the amp intact.

Enjoy,

TIC
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