I was finally able to buy an amplifier (via Audiogon) that I think is worthy of the speakers I picked up on Audiogon a while back. My challenge now is finding a preamp with a built-in tuner. I connected my old integrated Harman Kardon via the preouts to the amp, which was a bad idea as I cannot control the volume. I can't seem to find many preamps with a built in tuner. Folks seem to think I'm crazy to want a tuner, but it's what we do in our house first thing when we wake up, flip the radio on for news/background. The only other feature we utilize is connecting our phones/tablets via blue tooth to stream music that way. So far... Amp: Emotiva SA-250 Speakers: Silverline Audio Sonatina MkIV
I've been eyeing the Emotiva PT-100, which appears to have everything I'm looking for, but wanted to check with the gurus here about whether there are others I should consider? Like I said, can't seem to find modern preamps with a tuner.
I had the Nak 630 when it was still being built, pre wasn’t all that but tuner was excellent . After 40 years or so there aren’t many left, if you got one total recap would be in order .
Another avenue. I bought a used Marantz av8801 for a song, use it as the preamp/tuner for my stereo/TV, 2 channel system. It feeds active ATC's and a REL sub. Pretty good sound, balanced outputs and solid functionality.
I believe McIntosh also made a preamp/tuner as well. A separate preamp and tuner from the same company for aesthetics and system synergy would be better and there are many companies who make both that are excellent. Perreaux, Quad, Aragon, Tandberg, B&K, Hafler, Dynaco, Sumo and many others make great preamps and tuners.
I've recently seen two of the better models locally on CL in the Philadelphia area. Mitsubishi makes a really nice looking preamp-tuner as does Revox. Adcom also makes a preamp tuner, but I'd take the Mitsu or Revox in a heartbeat over the Adcom.
What I will say is that a great tuner with a fair antenna is a worse choice than is a fair tuner with a great antenna. I also discovered that some tuners are very sensitive to RF radiation and that LED bulbs can be huge RF polluters. Fortunately, an inexpensive snap on ferrite core will address the RF junk from LED bulbs
If you really only use the tuner to listen to the news, I would strongly suggest that you put your money into getting the best preamp you can, and then get yourself a small profile tuner for FM reception. If you want the best quality audio from the tuner for music, I also suggest that you get a separate tuner and a separate preamp. There are many if you really only use the tuner to listen to the news, I would strongly suggest that you put your money into getting the best preamp you can, and then get yourself a small profile tuner for FM reception. If you want the best quality audio from the tuner for music, I also suggest that you get a separate tuner and a separate preamp. There are small profile tuners that you can get for not too much money. Worth researching.
@2000m2 - I don't think that external processor loop is affected by the volume control and your description of what you are experiencing would confirm that. If you want over the air radio reception, a tuner/pre-amp or a different stereo receiver that does have standard pre-outs would be in order.
Good call @reubent. It's the HK880vxi and I'm connected to the "external processor output" connections, which I was told by HK would allow the receiver to function as a preamp. HK also sent me the manual, which does not provide much info at all on these connectors. Any thoughts are welcome!
@2000m2 - If your current HK has pre-outs, then the VC on the HK should control the volume when you have a power amp connected to the pre-outs. Seems to me the HK either does not have pre-outs, or you are connected to the wrong outputs. Are you sure you are not connected to tape monitor outputs?
What model HK do you have? Can you confirm the labeling on the outputs you are using?
I'll take a look at those Adcoms and some separate preamp/tuners. I've also seen some older NAD's that could work.
"another option is to get a receiver and use the pre outs to drive a bigger amp" This was plan "A", but I don't seem to be able to control the volume. Nearly lost an eardrum with the volume turned all the way down as I turned everything on. I'm researching why this isn't working, but wanted to see what other solutions are out there. The PT-100 seems like a good contender at $300.
They are rare b/c usual practice is to try and isolate RF stages - so the tuner is usually put in a sep. box as one moves up the SQ chain of components.
another option is to get a receiver and use the pre outs to drive a bigger amp
You can't find it because it doesn't exist. If it has a pre and a tuner, it also has an amp, and then it's a receiver. What you're looking for may actually exist, but I haven't seen it. Why not just get a good pre, and hook up a tuner to it?
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