Using preamp outputs
August 31, 2004
I have a Harman/Kardon 3380 receiver and wish to add an
amplifier to power an additional set of speakers (a third set in another location). Can
you explain the technique of hooking into the preamp-out/main-in section? When I
disconnected the jumpers and connected to the preamp out, I got nothing from my amp? Do I
need to "loop" through somehow?
Greg
When you say, "I got nothing from my amp," I
don't know whether you mean the H/K or the new power amp that you're attempting to add.
When you disconnected the jumper from the preamp out to the main in, you are preventing
the internal power amp in the H/K from receiving a signal. That would be the reason you
would not be getting sound from the amplifier in the H/K. If, though, you mean the new
power amp is not producing any sound, I'm just not sure. It could be any number of things
which would require a thorough check of your system and the new power amp. Just to be
clear on your question, you would connect the preamp out to the new power amp as you've
done, but in this case it means bypassing the H/K. One possible solution would be to run a
"Y" adapter from the preamp out to the power amp and also back into the main in
on the H/K. Please let me know if this works for you.
System pairing
August 25, 2004
I am currently in the process of building a two-channel
stereo system. I've heard, liked, and decided on the NAD C162 preamplifier, the C272 power
amplifier, and the C521BEE CD player. I am currently shopping for speakers in the $1500
range and am considering the Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.3s and Energy C7s (I was told
by a dealer that Energy speakers tend to pair well with NAD electronics).
What do you think of the aforementioned pairing with the
NAD products, and can you recommend a few other speaker brands in this price range that
will work well with the NAD products I have chosen?
Keith Milligan
The Paradigm and Energy speakers should both work well
with the NAD components. A powerful amplifier like the C272 (150Wpc) makes choosing
speakers easier. The NAD should drive whatever your choice ends up being, with no
power-related issues. As well, you have the advantage of choosing electronics all from the
same company, which means they should work flawlessly together. So you have system synergy
covered.
As for other speakers, the Paradigm and Energy speakers
will give you a good benchmark to compare against. For a completely different alternative,
why not give Magnepan speakers a try? They'll sound quite different from the other two,
and will serve to expand your horizons even further. After auditioning these three brands,
you should have a good idea of what direction to head in.
NAD's build quality?
August 23, 2004
What do the GoodSound! Guys think of NAD's build
quality compared to the Denons and Sonys of the world? I'd like to think it is a cut
above, but not having seen any of their gear over the past few years, so I'm just not
sure. I do know NAD products sound pretty good based on reviews I've read here and in
other places.
Barry Jorgensen
I just received an NAD T 743 receiver ($699 USD) in for
review and can tell you that I'm quite impressed by the NAD's solid build quality. Its
straight-ahead approach eschews flashy lights and innumerable processing modes in favor of
good heft and what appears to be honestly rated specifications. I'd take the latter
approach any day. NAD components may not impress your friends from across the room, but
that's not why most people buy A/V equipment in the first place. To me they look like
they're made for the long haul.
Receiver versus separates
August 20, 2004
I've been contemplating upgrading my present stereo system,
which consists of Advent Legacy II speakers and an inexpensive Kenwood KR-A4040 receiver.
I would like to get a home-theater receiver but separates
also intrigue me. Are separate preamp/amplifier combinations vastly superior to a
home-theater receiver like a Panasonic SA-XR50? Would I be able to actually hear any
difference?
Jim
Home-theater receivers have improved as much as any
components in recent years. It's possible to get very good results with them, no question.
However, I don't think I've ever heard from someone who has ventured into high-value,
well-engineered separates that he or she has regretted the move. We've spoken often about
gear from Anthem, B&K, and another company that we'll be writing about soon,
Parasound. Receivers do typically trump like-priced separates in terms of features and
processing, so factor that into your decision. If you're listening to two-channel audio
only, though, and can afford it, separates will surely please you.
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