Upgrading the preamp section of my integrated amp

Trdat
Junior Member

Posts: 78

Upgrading the preamp section of my integrated amp Oct 27, 2017 9:44:32 GMT

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Post by Trdat on Oct 27, 2017 9:44:32 GMT

Hey Guys,

I just can't find much information out on the net regarding this.

I want to add a either passive or active preamp to my integrated amp. Obviously using the power amp section of the integrated. The integrated has Main ins and Pre outs.

I'm confused cause at the moment I have a crossover which the input is connected to the Pre outs with the high pass output of the crossover to the Main ins of the integrated.

Where does what go? Does the output of the new Preamp go into the input of the crossover and the high pass into the Main ins?

If so, then I am confused about how the music from the laptop which is connected to the Dac module of my integrated goes out to the preamp?

I want to use the Dac in the set up...

Kindest Regards

Laptop into Dac module of my NADC356 with a marchand XM66 crossover in the loop

Ethan Winer
Administrator

Posts: 788

Upgrading the preamp section of my integrated amp Oct 31, 2017 16:34:28 GMT seanbeasley likes this

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Post by Ethan Winer on Oct 31, 2017 16:34:28 GMT

It would really help if you'd show, or at least state clearly, exactly what devices you have and how they're connected. Like this:

Laptop --> USB DAC --> Power Amp --> 2-Way Passive Speakers

Or whatever specific devices you have. I can tell you that usually the least number of components is best. And if you're unhappy with the sound quality you have now, explain what aspect you're dissatisfied with.

Ethan's Audio Book
The Acoustic Treatment Experts

Trdat
Junior Member

Posts: 78

Upgrading the preamp section of my integrated amp Nov 3, 2017 6:17:05 GMT

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Post by Trdat on Nov 3, 2017 6:17:05 GMT

It has been an interesting journey, I emailed all the companies who's preamps I was interested in and no one has replied and if they have replied there answer were inadequate.

Your diagram has just made me realize that the DAC in my integrated has to be unfortunately bypassed, hence the confusion for everyone and me.

So now a DAC needs to be either at the beginning of the chain after the Preamp or I need to purchase a preamp DAC in one.

I don't see how over 6 companies failed to provide basic knowledge which I figured out myself.

Perhaps a confusion with the NADC356 as its DAC module is within the integrated amp.

Its not so much dissatisfied with the sound, I will like to upgrade my preamp to improve the sound from my entry level integrated.

Appreciate your reply Ethan, just needed that trigger from your reply to essentially figure out the issue.

Ethan Winer
Administrator

Posts: 788

Upgrading the preamp section of my integrated amp Nov 7, 2017 15:35:07 GMT Hexspa and seanbeasley like this

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Post by Ethan Winer on Nov 7, 2017 15:35:07 GMT

Often it's futile chasing "equipment" upgrades, especially if the room you listen in has no acoustic treatment. Even just having a pair of absorber panels at the side-wall reflection points will do much more to improve clarity than any "gear" upgrade.

Ethan's Audio Book
The Acoustic Treatment Experts