2. amps-preamps
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Ever use "switched" outlets on preamp?

I've never thought seriously of using the "switched" auxiliary outlets on the back of preamps/integrateds, such as my new Rotel RC-1070, which provides two such outlets in the back. Obviously they cannot provide enough current for an amp, but enough for a turntable or CD player. Are these receptacles really so bad? If, for instance, the power to the preamp is "clean" ie run from the wall or from a good power strip, does it become "dirty" when run thru the preamp? Better to plug the CD into a powerstrip with an aftermarket power cord?
robreuland
8 responses Add your response
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I wouldn't plug digital equipment ( or anything with a digital "readout") into the preamp as it can "dirty" the power going into the preamp with RFI. In fact, it's best to keep digital equipment on a different wall circuit altogether.

A turntable, cassette deck, or an older analog FM tuner should be OK. Or an accessory that only gets intermittant use, such as a record cleaning machine. No wall warts either. You don't want unshielded transformers that close to your preamp circuits.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
dirty shmirty. both my systems have switched and unswitched outlets which are used all the time. one mac,one accuphase and both sound superb. the filter used at the outlet (if you use one) is still just as effective.
troutfishing
21 posts
 
Try it you may find it works well enough. many of the purist ideas are not all that critical in practice
metralla
945 posts
 
Avoid any power strips designed for computers or general household use. I recall a few years ago I had the bedroom system plugged into a heavy duty computer-style power strip and I was shocked by the improvement in sound when I ditched it.

The Wiremold L10320 can be obtained from Allied for $31. It has nine brass outlets in a non-magnetic Al alloy case and looks pretty nice. Naim recommend it.

Regards,
bdgregory
1,710 posts
 
I ran my old Phase Linear 400 power amp using the switched outlet of my Rotel RC1070 for 3 years. Before that I used the switched outlet from a Marantz 3200 pre for 20 years. It worked great up until the time I upgraded and sold all that stuff off.

It didn't occur to me that there was anything wrong with doing this until I joined Audiogon; although in hind-sight, perhaps this setup contributed to my dis-satisfaction with the quality of the mid-bass in that system . . .I was dumb and happy running this way for many years though.
bigjoe's avatar
bigjoe
693 posts
 
im with jaybo,i use mine all the time & when i have a preamp without these types of outlets i really miss that feature.

ive tried many different preamps with this feature & i always try it both ways & i have never heard a difference,try it & see for yourself,im betting you wont have a problem or notice any drawbacks.

mike.
c123666
871 posts
 
don't have any now but when I do have them I use them only if required..ie, I run out of outlets on the good power strip...
john_z
178 posts
 
I use them to power some low-wattage lights I use behind the T.V. to backlight it during home theater. It's convenient because they only come on when I use my A/V receiver. They do not seem to add any perceptable noise to the system, but I have the option of turning them off manually for serious two-channel listening. I usually leave them on because they provide a nice ambience when listening to music in a darkened room. JZ
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