2. amps-preamps
  3. 162628-154881

Running a preamp into another preamp

Ok guys, so I am trying to figure out a way to play my guitar and my keyboard (not at the same time) through my stereo system, while music is playing through the same speakers/headphones. Playing through another amp is nice but I really want to feel like I am right in the mix, would be a lot more fun and pleasant.
So here is my plan... Run my guitar/keyboard into a revv d20 guitar amp (probably on the 4 watt setting?), out through a balanced xlr, into an Oppo HA-1, out with rca into sony e9000es preamp, now this preamp has a multi-source option to play two sound sources at the same time, so I’ll have cd/aux/tuner playing at the same time as the input of the instrument signal coming from the ha-1, and all this run through the accompanying sony n9000es, unless I’m using headphones straight through the e-9000es. And if you’re curious I’ll be playing it through some old jbl 940’s, some big honkin 4 way speakers.

What do you think? Bad idea? Good way to blow something up? Weak links? I imagine I’d run the risk of damaging some of the equipment, which is maybe ok with the Sony e9000es, I have a back up, but not the ha-1... I don’t want to risk that. Should I just find some kind of converter to go rca straight into the Sony? I’d imagine those things would sacrifices bit of sound quality. Is this all just a big pipe dream? Suggestions for alternatives definitely welcome, thank you.

edit: By the way, the guitar amp has an ‘internal load’ setting to be used without speakers, which basically makes it act as an audio interface, and sends a digital signal, so it’s not like running an actual tube amp into my ha-1 lol
rigfull
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Normally I'd say you need a mixer. But the Sony it seems is the mixer. So okay. Rock on!
bdgregory
1,710 posts
 
I blew some hifi speakers out trying to play guitar through them. Its possible they weren't up to the task, but I think you want PA speakers for this. I would run your Sony output to a mixer, guitar into another mixer channel, the out to some pa speakers.  It also gives you way more flexibility imo.
fdroadrunner
33 posts
 
I’m not able to follow completely, but I know you can run one preamp into another because that’s exactly what I do for my stereo.
I have a McIntosh MX110z, which has a limited number of inputs, so I have a Kenwood Basic C2 preamp (which is where I have the TV, CD player, and a couple of other things plugged in), and I use the "Tape Out" output on the Kenwood and connect it to the the "Auxiliary" input on the McIntosh.
The key is having a "Tape Out" output for an unamplified output from the first preamp, but maybe you don’t have that (and maybe I’m completely off the mark since you are talking about music creation instead of reproduction).
Anyway, good luck.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
It's all just gain. Like was said above, you need to be careful you don't have too much of it or you can make your amp clip and/or break the speakers. But as long as you're not pushing too much power you should be fine. 
rigfull OP
3 posts
 
Yeah it’s a pretty small room in an apartment with neighbors on the other side, so I’ll be playing at a pretty low volume or through headphones. Also, the speakers are rated at 300 watts each and the amp is only rated at something like 100 watts/channel so I think it should be fine. Thanks everyone
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