What the heck is a "pre-main amplifier"

[Seth=L]

I used to have a Denon "pre-main amplifier". Now I am wondering, what is the difference between an integrated amplifier and a "pre-main amplifier". They both lack a tuner and have similar features. The Denon, however, did have a MC cartridge. So is the MC cartridge the only difference?

Also note that the integrated amplifiers I have had did not have preouts, nor did the Denon "pre-main amplifier". I do know that some integrated amplifiers have preouts.

 

[MDS]

'Pre-main amplifier' doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. On the one hand it sounds like a pre-amp which does amplify the incoming signal a tiny bit to get it to line level but on the other hand it also sounds like an integrated amp which is a pre-amp and an amp in one box.

If it had pre-outs they could be connected to 'main-in' on an amp (or itself after routing the signal out the pre-outs to another device and back if it also has main-in itself). I'm going to guess it is an integrated amp and they named it pre-main amp before 'integrated amp' terminology became the norm.

 

[Seth=L]

My dad gave it to me, it looked like it was from the late 80's early 90's era.

Are there any integrated amplifiers with a MC phono cartridge?

 

[Nick250]

My dad gave it to me, it looked like it was from the late 80's early 90's era.

Are there any integrated amplifiers with a MC phono cartridge?

In the old days every receiver/amp/pre had a phono out. I have seen many phono outs on current equipment. Not common, but certainly around for those who need it.

Nick

 

[mnnc]

I used to have a Denon "pre-main amplifier". Now I am wondering, what is the difference between an integrated amplifier and a "pre-main amplifier". They both lack a tuner and have similar features. The Denon, however, did have a MC cartridge. So is the MC cartridge the only difference?

Also note that the integrated amplifiers I have had did not have preouts, nor did the Denon "pre-main amplifier". I do know that some integrated amplifiers have preouts.

It is an integrated amp which is a preamp and power amp together w/o tuner. It makes more sense to call it that vs integrated. Denon tagged them as pre-main on the units. I owned a PMA-500a/v that sounded great with larger Boston bookshelf spkr's. It had preouts for 4 channels, phono mm/mc selectable, and video in/outs(stereo only). This was the beginning of what would later become multi-ch a/v recvr's, etc. I purchased it new back in the late 80's for approx $350 US. I opted for the rosewood side panels as well. Wish I had kept it for a stereo only setup. Oh well.