2. amps-preamps
  3. 193916-188853

Inputs shorted in 'standby'?

Hello,

I am having issues when connecting the fixed line out of my M5si integrated amp to an analog input pair on an NAD 316BEE (to have independent volume control for another set of speakers in another room).

All is OK when both integrated amps are powered on, but if I have the NAD in 'standby' and am just listening to the speakers connected to the M5, I hear some distortion.  Is the NAD shorting the inputs when it's in 'standby'?

 

Thank you,
Greg

rhythm5

Showing 2 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,452 posts
 

The purpose od "Stand By" is to stop wasting power when not in use.  To do this device cuts off the power from most of the circuitry.  Input stage, that presents higher input impedance when powered, might appear as low impedance when unpowered.  It is just loading the output causing distortion, but I doubt it caused any damage.

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,452 posts
 

But when the 316 was in standby I never had the distortion issue that now have using the M5.  I guess certain units are just more compatible with others?

It is either designer's choice to leave input stage powered during standby (takes very little power) or different circuitry behave differently.  It is hard to predict what would be the input or output impedance of unpowered circuit.

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