Question about owning and amp

[bluemando]

Question about owning an amp

I never owned one; although, I do have a vintage Sansui integrate amp, which is in the shop for repairs. I'm not knowledgeable regarding amps, or, for that matter, electronic equipment in general. I know the difference between an integrated amp and a receiver. My understanding is that a "nonintegrated amp" is more basic than an integrated - i.e. it doesn't have the volume knobs and such. Anyway, I'm considering buying an AusioSource amp (good reviews and cheap!) for use with my cd player. The AudioSource is not made for use with a remote control. If I were to use it with my cd player, which has a remote, would I be able to use the controls on my remote and NOT have to buy a preamp?

Thanks
Johern

 

[fmw]

If you are in the market for a stereo integrated why not read my review of the Pioneer A-35R in the "write your own review" forum. It is affordable and a very nice performer.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

If you connect a CD player directly to a power amp, you will not be able to control the volume. It will probably be much too loud (equivalent to the maximum volume setting on an integrated amp or receiver), and no way to turn it down. You need a preamp also.

 

[B3Nut]

Does your CD player have adjustable output level? If so, you can drive a power amp directly (my Denon DCD-1560 has both fixed and variable outputs, and the volume pot is motorized and controllable via the remote.) If yours has remote-controllable output level, you can drive a power amplifier directly with it.

TP

 

[bluemando]

If you connect a CD player directly to a power amp, you will not be able to control the volume. It will probably be much too loud (equivalent to the maximum volume setting on an integrated amp or receiver), and no way to turn it down. You need a preamp also.

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Many thanks. As for the poster who recommended the Pioneer integrated amp... thanks but no thanks

Johern

 

[bluemando]

Does your CD player have adjustable output level? If so, you can drive a power amp directly (my Denon DCD-1560 has both fixed and variable outputs, and the volume pot is motorized and controllable via the remote.) If yours has remote-controllable output level, you can drive a power amplifier directly with it.

TP

My Sony CDP-XE500 has, on the remote, +/- buttons on it which are labled "line out level." Is that the same thing that you are referring to?

Thanks
Johern

 

[B3Nut]

Yes, that's your line output level. Make sure to turn it down all the way before connecting a power amp for the first time.

TP

 

[bandphan]

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Many thanks. As for the poster who recommended the Pioneer integrated amp... thanks but no thanks

Johern

problem with that amp? you did mention inexpensive

 

[Joe Schmoe]

My Sony CDP-XE500 has, on the remote, +/- buttons on it which are labled "line out level." Is that the same thing that you are referring to?

Thanks
Johern

Cool. That is a pretty rare feature for CD players these days. Because you have that, you can connect directly to a power amp.

 

[bluemando]

problem with that amp? you did mention inexpensive

I wasn't looking for an integrated amp (in fact I already have one... a vintage Sansui AU 555). I've pretty much decided on a AudioSource 100 *amp,* which I can get *new* for $80. It's only 50 watts per channel, but that's more than enough for listening to cds in a bedroom setting. Now that I know that it will work with my Sony cd player, I'm set.

Thanks
Johern

 

[bluemando]

Does your CD player have adjustable output level? If so, you can drive a power amp directly (my Denon DCD-1560 has both fixed and variable outputs, and the volume pot is motorized and controllable via the remote.) If yours has remote-controllable output level, you can drive a power amplifier directly with it. TP

Sorry, but I forgot to ask before. Now I understand that I don't need a preamp to make volume adjustments via my Sony CD remote (because I have the +/- line out level feature on the remote), but will I also be able to use other features on the remote (i.e. making "next" or "previous" song- selections and activating or deactivating "repeat function?"

 

[B3Nut]

Sure, no reason it shouldn't work, as long as it's the dedicated remote for the CD player. The CD player's own remote is not dependent on any other components.

TP

 

[bluemando]

Sure, no reason it shouldn't work, as long as it's the dedicated remote for the CD player. The CD player's own remote is not dependent on any other components.

TP

As you can see my ignorance in this matter is profound. To give myself a bit of credit, I thought that was the case.... I just wanted to make sure. Thank you (all!) for your help. Your kindness is well appreciated. I'll continue to read what people here are discussing and hopefully, some day, learn enough to contribute as well.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I actually have the AudioSource AMP300, which I use with a set of Bose speakers for my daughters for karaoke.

You don't even need a preamp for the AudioSource amps.

The amp actually has volume controls on the front for Left and Right channels. When you turn the volume all the way down counter clock-wise, the volume is zero.

So for me, I just hook up my Sony DVD player to my Pioneer Karaoke and directly to the AudioSource Amp without any kind of preamp.

 

[bluemando]

Thanks for that input man. I'm a great admirer of simplicity, especially in audio equipment. For me, less is more. I figure, that the less "gizmos," "do-e-dads" and "thing-ama-gigs" there are on a piece of audio equipment, the less likely it is that something will go arwy. Plus, the "uncluttered-look" appeals to my sense of aesthetics. Lots of audio equipment is just too "busy" for my taste. Anyway, the AudioSource seems to fit the bill, or at least my perception of it does. lately, I've been having to make decisions as to whether I want to fix my failing old equipment or buy new stuff. I have a Sansui integrated amp that make a loud buzzing-sound when I try to play a cd. It's been in a repair shop for nearly a week. I'm anxiously awaiting an estimate for the fix. I was going to have it fixed no matter what the price, but now I'm having second thoughts. More things are liable to go wrong with this old equipment and I can't afford to keep bringing it in for repairs. This is the 3rd time I've had work done to the Sansui. I suppose 3x's in 38 years is really a pretty good track-record, though. I suspect I'll go for the AudioSource amp this time around. I also have a NAD 7140 that moves in and out of stereo mode; plus there's leakage from the FM station, when I play cds. Also, my 1985 Magnavox cd player makes scratcy and static sounds when playing cds. Geeze... I don't know whether to fix this stuff or get new gear. I truly admire how well the old stuff was made. Oh well, that enough of me crying over what inevitably happens to all things (theY need "fixen" and then, at some point, they die.) Thanks again.