2. amps-preamps
  3. 154075-6488

PRE IN and REC OUT on the Cayin A-100T Integrated Amplifier

Hello,

Does anyone know what are the PRE-IN and REC OUT for?

I have this very simple system consisting of a Yamaha SACD Player and a Cayin A-100T Tube Integrated Amplifier.
For the most part, it sounds fantastic; however, it also reveals poorly mastered albums. So, I was considering adding a high quality Tone Control/Equalizer.
The most common connection would be to placed the Tone control between the source and the integrated amplifier: SACD PLAYER (OUT)->(IN) TONE CONTROL(OUT) -> (IN) INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER.


However, I wonder if connecting the Tone Control unit into the TAPE INPUT of the Integrated Amp, and then outputting the signal from the REC OUT of the Integrated Amp to the input of the Tone Control Unit would produce less distortion and better sound?
SACD PLAYER (OUT) -> (IN) INTEGRATED AMP
TONE CONTROL(OUT) ->(TAPE IN) INTEGRATED AMP (REC OUT) -> (IN) TONE CONTROL 

I know the PRE IN on the Integrated Amp is to add an additional Pre-Amp, and use the Integrated as a Power Amplifier.
The REC OUT is to connect a tape recorder or cd recorder. But, what I am not sure is, if these (PRE IN & REC OUT) can be used as Tape Loops or Tape Monitors, so I can connect the Tone Control in there.
The Tone Control I've been considering is the Schiit Loki, which has a by-pass mode. So, as I still don't like the idea of adding any extra components that could generate distortion; I am looking into ways to connect this device circumventing any possible distortion and being able to by-pass it completely.

Couldn't find information and the manual is very brief, not mentioning those inputs/outputs.

Any advise would be appreciated,

Thank you,

Josep 

*Here is a referential rear view of the Integrated Amp:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649045116-cayin_a100t_el_34_tube_amplifer/images/541681/register...
mamifero76
2 responses Add your response
mamifero76 OP
15 posts
 
Thank you Newbee, I really appreciate your input, you saved me some money on extra IC cables that I would have needed to try the "tape loop" route.

It seems that I will have to go: Source->Loki->Integrated Amp, and listen if there is any sound degradation.

Thanks again,

newbee
4,767 posts
 
This amp does not have a 'tape loop' as such.

The input 'pre in' accepts sources which have their own volume control, such as a CDP with a volume control or a seperate pre-amp. This way you only have one volume control between the source and the amp.

The tape out presents the signal from the sources bypassing the preamp volume control, to a unit such as a tape recorder or a headphone amp (with volume control).

I don't see any way you could add an equalizer such as the Loki in your case other than to put it between the source and the pre-amp. Whether or not you might detect any insertion loss when operation it in by-pass mode is probably determined by your equipment, your set up, and your degree of OCD when listening. 

Buy one, if it works for you, great. I have one and use it in a headphone system where it is worth every penny of its cost.

Hope that helps a bit.


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