2. amps-preamps
  3. 180335-173382

Preamp with selectable outputs?

This seems like it should be a relatively common option, but maybe there aren’t a lot of people that would use it? Or maybe I’m not thinking about it correctly? Either way… this is what I think I’m looking for: I’d like to have a remote controlled preamp with the ability to select which amp I’m using. My listening room is also my office so I’ve got my speaker amp on one end of the room and my headphone amp (on my desk) on the other end. Currently I have a separate DAC on my desk connected to my computer but I’d like to move things around and consolidate my sources (use a single DAC) and use my streamer instead of computer. I listen to mostly digital and I’m looking to spend as much under $2k as possible.

If it would help, this is my system… (Magna Mano mkIII > W4S DAC2 DSDse, Clearaudio Concept > MS Phenomena I) > Freya+ > Modwright KWA 100 > Zu Union 6; Computer > Black Ice Glass DAC Wi-Fi > Decware Taboo mkIII > various headphones

claytron3001
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

If the 2 amps have a 12V trigger switch, that could be way less than $2k, but not really with a remote.

And it would still require flipping a switch which is not much easier than powering the amps up.

I suppose if there are not 2 amp outputs, then you would need a pair of Y-connectors behind the preamp.

My preamp has a couple of amp outputs, but I have to haul myself out of the chair to do that, as the remote does everything but which amp gets the output. 

dbb
196 posts
 

I would call a pro audio store like Sweetwater and ask if they have a remote controlled out put switcher.

claytron3001 OP
5 posts
 

Why is this such a rare/non-existent feature? It seems like it would be useful… unless I’m just looking at it wrong 🤷🏻‍♂️

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

It is not that common a requirement and adding switches can compromise the sound quality.

 

I simply use cable splinters on my office system to go to my amp and headphone amp. Then I can use either. There are one piece gold splitters so one cable plugs in directly and another tap sticks out at 90 degrees. They work well. 

mesch
3,481 posts
 

I was once told that when connecting two amplifiers to a preamp having two outputs run in paraellel that the imput impedance of both amplifiers have to be considered in reference to the output impedance of the preamp even when using only one amplifier at a time.

If this is true, the amplifier having the lowent input impedance will have the greatest influence on the total impedance seen by the preamp.

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