best way to integrate tube pre into home theater?


I'm looking for advice on the best way to integrate a conrad johnson pv10b tube preamp into a home theater setup. I listen to 50% analog, 25% cd, and 25% tv/dvd. In addition to the CJ pre, I have a 2 channel amp, home theater receiver, and dvd player that is also used for cds. I loved the sound of the turntable through the tube pre hooked directly to the 2 channel amp, but I also like the sound of cd's through the receiver, hooked directly to the amp. I tried running the home theater pre-out to the video input of the tube pre, but it didn't work (very little sound). I'm presently using the tape out jack for the phono signal from the tube pre hooked up to the receiver, which is then hooked up to the amp. Any thoughts on the best configuration for the best tubed analog sound and the best digital sound?

thanks!
gibson58

Showing 1 response by heli_dog

For surround, just take the front left/right channel outputs from your home theater receiver and plug them into a line level input on your tubed preamp.

The volume control on the preamp has to be set at some mid position (typically 12 o'clock) and set to the same position every time you use your home theater receiver. Pick a spot on the preamps volume knob that is easy to remember and then use the test tone function on your home theater receiver to set your home theater speaker levels. To control the volume when using your home theater system just use the receivers remote.

I have the pre outs from my Denon AVR-4802 receiver feeding my Blue Circle BC3 tubed preamp. I also use my Denon DVD/CD player as a transport with a digital connection to the receiver and my digital cable box (40 music channels) is also connected to my receiver.

My turntable is connected to another of the BC3's line level inputs. The preamp is connected directly to my 2 channel Simaudio amp. The front speakers are also connected to the 2 channel amp's speaker outputs. When I want to listen to 2 channel music the home theater system is powered down and out of the loop.

Works like a charm...hope this info helps you in getting your system dialed in!
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