YBA 2 Alpha pre and power set up

[ChicagoJoe]

I have a variety of components that I’m trying to set up (old system put in storage many years ago). Components:
Yba pre and power - 2 channel
Martin Logan esl’s
Equalizer - audiosound
Polk audio sub (8 inch, entry level)
Cd, and phono

I’m embarrassed about this question - connecting the pre and power; and where to connect the equalizer. im currently using a crappy Sony receiver, but want to swap it for the pre and power. Here’s the dumb question, the power amp has 1 coax input for channel A and 1 for channel B. The pre amp outs have 2 coax outputs (Left and right) for A and 2 (left and right) for B. How do these connect? And secondly, if I want us use the equalizer, is it inserted in between the pre and power?

 

[lovinthehd]

Hadn't heard of YBA before, had to look them up. By coax you mean rca type connectors? Equalizer could go inbetween pre-amp and amp or use the pre-amp's tape loop. Not sure why the pre-amp has A/B outputs particularly but if you just have one pair of speakers then just use A on pre-amp/amp for them. Or are you trying to use two pairs of speakers?

What the heck are you doing with a junk Polk sub with those pricey electronics and speakers? You might use the pre-amp's B output for the sub, tho.

 

[ChicagoJoe]

Thank you. Took a picture of the back. Yes, you’re right, the Polk is crappy; and my reference to coax was an error, I meant rca. So, here’s what I think you’re guidance is:

connect rca’s(one for left speaker and right speaker to pre-amp, output A); and connect other end to amp (one to channel A; and the second to channel B). I guess what through me off was the outputs on pre say A and B (as outputs) and the inputs on the power say “channel A and channel B”. Different uses of the letter A and B.
And for the output B on the pre, I can connect it to sub line in (skipping the power)?
And last, for eq, based on my available connections in the photo, if I want eq available for all inputs, where should it be connected?

appreciate the feedback, when I moth balled the system 15 years ago, I should have taken a picture. (Also, yes, I only have one pair of speakers). Honestly was thinking about selling the pre and power and just buying a nice receiver - but first wanted to hear how they sound.
Thanks again

 

[lovinthehd]

Connect the pre-amplifier outputs (pre-outs) for "A" to the two inputs on the power amp; makes more sense that the amp is just not using left/right labels, and uses A/B arbitrarily....I have amps that simply say channel 1 and channel 2. I didn't get that particularly or I would have said connect the A pre-outs to the A/B inputs on the amp I was thinking more your amp had both A/B speaker capabilities (didn't see a pic of the rear panel of one either and yours isn't a lot of help in that regard).

An online manual would be helpful but I didn't see one, so not sure if the tape loop I saw mentioned in an article/review is a good option or to just put the equalizer in between the pre-amp and amp.

Not sure what model your sub is or what it has for connections but if a typical plate amp for a powered sub, hopefully it has both L/R rca inputs and can let the sub sum the signal to mono (also assuming your pre-amp can use both A&B outputs simultaneously). Not sure what you mean about skipping power.

If you do want more options to integrate a sub/subs let us know and we can give you some thoughts on that, but I do think its time to think about a new sub/subs!

 

[ChicagoJoe]

Connect the pre-amplifier outputs (pre-outs) for "A" to the two inputs on the power amp; makes more sense that the amp is just not using left/right labels, and uses A/B arbitrarily....I have amps that simply say channel 1 and channel 2. I didn't get that particularly or I would have said connect the A pre-outs to the A/B inputs on the amp I was thinking more your amp had both A/B speaker capabilities (didn't see a pic of the rear panel of one either and yours isn't a lot of help in that regard).

An online manual would be helpful but I didn't see one, so not sure if the tape loop I saw mentioned in an article/review is a good option or to just put the equalizer in between the pre-amp and amp.

Not sure what model your sub is or what it has for connections but if a typical plate amp for a powered sub, hopefully it has both L/R rca inputs and can let the sub sum the signal to mono (also assuming your pre-amp can use both A&B outputs simultaneously). Not sure what you mean about skipping power.

If you do want more options to integrate a sub/subs let us know and we can give you some thoughts on that, but I do think its time to think about a new sub/subs!

Connect the pre-amplifier outputs (pre-outs) for "A" to the two inputs on the power amp; makes more sense that the amp is just not using left/right labels, and uses A/B arbitrarily....I have amps that simply say channel 1 and channel 2. I didn't get that particularly or I would have said connect the A pre-outs to the A/B inputs on the amp I was thinking more your amp had both A/B speaker capabilities (didn't see a pic of the rear panel of one either and yours isn't a lot of help in that regard).

An online manual would be helpful but I didn't see one, so not sure if the tape loop I saw mentioned in an article/review is a good option or to just put the equalizer in between the pre-amp and amp.

Not sure what model your sub is or what it has for connections but if a typical plate amp for a powered sub, hopefully it has both L/R rca inputs and can let the sub sum the signal to mono (also assuming your pre-amp can use both A&B outputs simultaneously). Not sure what you mean about skipping power.

If you do want more options to integrate a sub/subs let us know and we can give you some thoughts on that, but I do think its time to think about a new sub/subs!

Thanks, I’m going to play around with this tomorrow. Again, appreciate the help.

 

[ChicagoJoe]

Amp, preamp, eq, turntable all work great, thank you. The sub sounds terrible. I have it running off of the B output on preamp (and have my speakers running off output A). The B output RCA going into line inputs on the sub. As an alternative connection, I suppose I could run a pigtail off of the A outputs (right and left) to the sub (And insert into the speaker wire spring inputs). Not sure if this would make a difference. Or I could just upgrade the sub with “high level” inputs? Just spitballing.

anyway, thanks. Getting the amp, preamp, eq and speakers up/running is incredible.

 

[lovinthehd]

Amp, preamp, eq, turntable all work great, thank you. The sub sounds terrible. I have it running off of the B output on preamp (and have my speakers running off output A). The B output RCA going into line inputs on the sub. As an alternative connection, I suppose I could run a pigtail off of the A outputs (right and left) to the sub (And insert into the speaker wire spring inputs). Not sure if this would make a difference. Or I could just upgrade the sub with “high level” inputs? Just spitballing.

anyway, thanks. Getting the amp, preamp, eq and speakers up/running is incredible.

I wouldn't expect much from the sub but what model is it? What did you do with the phase and low pass filter settings? Doubt the different connection method would make a difference, tho.

 

[ChicagoJoe]

The Polk is LR106476. The only controls are volume, frequency HZ, and a toggle switch for phase normal versus reverse. I played around a little and just wound up turning the volume down.

 

[lovinthehd]

The frequency hz is the low pass filter, where is it set? The phase setting you generally set at whichever provides the stronger bass response. The gain should be matched so at an equivalent volume to your speakers. Doubt if those high level connections will make any significant difference.