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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
erik_squires
16,735 posts
 

It depends on how the fixed outs are designed.  if they have a dedicated buffer stage or if the stage feeding it can handle low impedance then no problem

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,453 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.

rhythm5 OP
19 posts
 

From what I’m reading, I guess that if I want to run a fixed line out to another integrated amp, there’s no guarantee it’ll work when I have the secondary integrated amp in standby - it just completely depends on the particular units that are involved.

So if I want to have independent volume control of a second pair of speakers in another room, is there a better approach than the way I’m trying to go about it?  (If I want a completely wired solution)

Thanks,
Greg

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