2. amps-preamps
  3. 1128459679

Preamp output voltage?

Could someone please explain preamp output voltage? What effect (if any) does it have on amplifier performance, S/N ratio, dynamic range, and most importantly, subjective listening? I have an old Adcom GTP-500II tuner-preamp with a rated output of 2.0V RMS and a peak output of 10.0V RMS. I am considering replacing the Adcom with a new AV surround receiver, and I would use the pre-outs to power my front KEF 104.2's with an Adcom GFA-555II amp. I am looking at the Outlaw 1070 receiver, but it only has a pre-out voltage of 0.76V. The Yamaha RX-V657 receiver claims a pre-out voltage of 2V. Will either of these receivers (or any other receiver) be likely to sound as good, driving the Adcom amp, as the Adcom tuner-preamp for 2 channel music?
javachip
ravingndrooling
1 posts
 
I ran my Denon avr-3300 with an Adcom GFA-7500 for a couple of years and really enjoyed the combo. I had Energy Veritas at the time...Damn, they could play loud! On the rare occasion I had the Denon wide open and that Adcom just gobbled it up!! I had a Parasound amp until last night that I liked more, not better per say, just different. Hell, make me an offer on my Denon, you just might find you don't have to spend as much as you think you do to get what you want!!
javachip OP
56 posts
 
I am not familiar with the Denon 3300 but I assume it does not have all of the current surround modes including ProLogic IIx etc... I would prefer to get as many of the currently available surround modes as possible. I almost bought the Denon 3805 but the weird remote was a deal-breaker. The other thing is that, darn it, I want gold-plated (or at least gold-colored) RCA connectors!

I just learned about the new Emotiva Ultralite pre/pro and 6/7 channel amp units that are supposed to start shipping next week. The specs and prices look very interesting, so for now the Outlaw is on the back burner until I see some reviews of the Emotiva.
javachip OP
56 posts
 
P.S. -- Thanks to all for the feedback on pre-out voltage. I am seeing numerous comments in the Outlaw forums about how the 1070 needs to have its volume knob and/or channel trim controls turned up higher than usual to get a decent volume. This would seem to be consistent with the fairly low reported pre-out voltage.
oakiris
206 posts
 
Javachip - what did you decide on? The Emotiva or the Outlaw? For some reason I was unable to post a request for opinions on the Emotiva DMC-1 pre/pro, so I am going to try to piggy back here!

I know nothing about the Emotiva products and just wonder what reviews you may have read that made you decide for or against the Emotiva Ultralite you were considering.

Holly
gband
4 posts
 
I wouldn't fret about the output voltage from the preamp. In many cases the older units had higher outputs to justify the low S/N numbers and get above the internal noise. I have moved from the Adcom 555II preamp to the Outlaw 990 pre/pro and am very satisfied. I am also driving an Adcom 555II amplifer into JM Labs Daline 6.1 speakers. The outlaw will drive your amp just fine with actually less noise. Yes you'll have to turn up the volume knob a bit more. Sounds great though.
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