lumin direct to "main in" section on Yamahas/Luxmans/Accuphase?


I have a Yamaha s3000 on loan from a friend, noticed some of these Japanese integrateds like to insert a "main in " section next to the pre-outs as well as two sets of binding posts to drive two speakers

I would like to connect my lumin d2 direct to this "main in" input and bypass the preamp section of the yamaha

worried about causing issues

can anybody confirm if this is safe to do?

 

 

audiocanada

It should be fine as the main in is basically a HT bypass that just turns the Yammy into an amp.  Just to be safe I’d start with the volume on both the Yamaha and the Lumin turned all the way down and go from there.  It’ll be interesting whether you prefer going direct vs. using the preamp in the integrated to be better.  Can be hit or miss. 

Electrically that's fine.  The only issue is gain, so long as you have a volume control in your Lumin and you use it, no problem.

I have heard that there can be an impedance mis-match from these streamer "preamps" direct into a power amp. A proper preamp in between is preferred.

And if it were me I would look for a preamp with at least a tube buffer or a full tube preamp to warm up the sound. Or just stick with the integrated pre in.

https://youtu.be/ArfvjucjdDI

You’ll be fine, I do it all the time. It’s the man’s way to go. The first time you listen, it’s like lighten your hair on fire.

I ran a D2 directly to an Audio GD Balanced power amp and a Denafrips Thallo power amp with zero problems. Worked excellently with both and should work well with your Yamaha. 

I’d use the Lumin’s volume control as it is digital (Leedh) and doesn’t chop off any signal when playing at low volume levels.  I’m using the Lumin U1 Mini into an external DAC and then into a power amplifier with excellent results.  

The the OP as you travel on your audio journey do yourself a favor and try running the D2 USB out into a nice R2R DAC and into a tube integrated amp. You do not know what you are missing.

As a Lumin D2 owner (in the box up for sale) I can tell you that the internal DAC is a little harsh sounding with many amps and running it straight into a power amp is not going to sound the best.

But to each his own. I have gotten to the point where I cannot even listen to solid state anything anymore without getting very angry and smashing the speakers....😀

Just make sure you have the Lumin's Leedh volume control activated (variable output) and start on the lowest level setting to be safe. Using a good preamp sounds better to many listeners, but there should be no problem in using the Lumin's variable output into an amplifier directly.

But to each his own. I have gotten to the point where I cannot even listen to solid state anything anymore without getting very angry and smashing the speakers....😀

 

Umm... I’m not sure if that’s the fault of solid-state amplifiers. Harshness can be associated with many things - speakers, amp-speaker interface, source or room, or a combination of any.