Sometimes this stuff is still mysterious to me; before I got the external amp, I didn’t have to connect anything to the pre out.
From the owners manual:
Main-Amp Inputs and Preamp Outputs: These jacks are normally connected directly to each other with an included jumper. Some devices, such as equalizers and some loudspeaker systems, require connection between the Preamp Outputs and Main-Amp Inputs, in which case the jumpers should be removed and stored in a safe place for future use. You may also remove the jumpers if you wish to connect the Preamp Outputs to an external amplifier, or if you wish to connect another device’s line-level output directly to the HK 3490’s power amplifier for a special application.http://static.highspeedbackbone.net/pdf/Harman%20Kardon%20HK3490%20Stereo%20Receiver%20Manual.pdf
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