2. amps-preamps
  3. 1443099646

What are my preamp choices?

I can't spend more than 2k and I don't care if it's solid state or tube, although I've never owned any tube gear. My music is all digital but I do not want a built in DAC as I have a good external DAC already. One feature that would be useful is three sets of RCA outputs (one for my power amps and two for the three subwoofers in my system). A full featured remote is a must. The idea of a tube preamp sounds fascinating as long as it is hassle free. Used equipment is fine as well. I will be using this preamp to feed the power amp section of a Harman Kardon hk990 which drives a pair of Usher Dancer Mini 2 DMD loudspeakers.
danoroo
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
@Georgelofi

According to the owner's manual, the unbalanced input labeled "processor" connects directly to the HK990's power amp section. Can't I connect a preamp there? I've never owned separates before, so is there anything else I need to be aware of such as impedance matching or gain comparability?
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
@Rlwainwright

Wow! Thanks Rlwainwright. This piece of gear looks very interesting. Fits my needs very well.
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
One review of the Emotiva XSP-1 states that this preamp should be used with power amps with an input impedance of at least 10 KOhms. I looked at all the specs on my HK 990 but saw no reference to that specific spec. How can I know that the Emotiva XSP-1 is fully compatible with my HK, if in fact it turns out that I can connect a preamp to it at all? My apologies for all these elementary questions but the realm of separates is completely new to me. Thanks for both your patience and input.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

"Can't I connect a preamp there?"

Maybe?????, though it's odd it should be grouped in with all the source inputs, and not by itself like the preamp output.

And it's just a stereo amp why name it processor input, instead of being by itself and labelled poweramp input.

Before spending bucks on a preamp I would sus this out first.

Cheers George
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
Here is the exact text used in the manual when referring to the processor input:
"PROCESSOR Analog Inputs. These Inputs
go directly to the power amplifier section
of the HK 990, bypassing the Volume and
Tone Control. Here you can connect the
Front Channel Pre Out L+R signals from an
external surround processor, to benefit from
the superior power of the HK 990 and control
volume from the processor. NOTE: Only use
the Processor Input with a device that has its
own volume control! "
More to discover