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I'm going to experiment with using a pro amp in a home system,. I'm told I'll need to boost the input signal significantly from standard home audio levels. Any suggestions for a preamp? Will a small mixer do the trick? The amp is an AB International 900
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Pro Amps input varies from 0.775v to 2v sensitivity but most are around 1.23v (+4dbv).
Dont't confuse the recording output on preamp which is -10dbv with the main line out.Most preamp unbalanced line out level are simelar to pro/dj mixer.
On good preamp the max output can be past 15v (ten volt).
Example : NAD C162 Preamplifier = 15 volt max output
NAD C272 Amplifier (Domestic) = input sensivity 1.3 volt
To me it look quite the same.
Correct me if anything is not right ...
Thank You
The levels tend to be less of a concern than the interconnects, which on pro gear are usually balanced. When you figure in the added peripherals required to make it work there are few reasons to recommend a pro-sound amp for home use.
Much lower prices all the way up the food chain without giving up, if not gaining, quality. Another - reliability. Another - durability. The down side has to do with how revealing of bad recordings pro equipment can be.
If that's the case plug it in and let it rip, you may not need any additional outboards.
I don't have a preamp that puts out more than about 3-500 millivolts.
It doesn't need 1.5 volts, it will take 1.5 volts. Unless you plan on running it at 100% power all the time I wouldn't be concerned. Try it,if you need more voltage you can address that then. It's always a good idea to make sure something is broken before you try to fix it.
I've done a bunch of reading in the archives, but it ain't helping much. One the one hand, it seems that a standard issue preamp should be able to drive a pro amp without trouble. But there are those who say it tain't so, that the home audio preamp just doesn't have the grunt to do the job, and it will overheat. Then I read all about home audio having -10db level and pro equipment having +4db levels, and people buying DI boxes to cope with the voltage difference (and the balanced/unbalanced issue).
I think your next door neighbour will become dangerously violent
if you find a pre that can get 1.5 volts clean and use it all.
The balanced input issue is usually far more problematic than the input levels. Yes, there is a 14dB differential between the maximum input signal required to drive both to full output, but keep two things in mind. First, most preamps will drive to well more than a -10dB level. When's the last time you had the volume control of your pre all the way up? And second, even if your pre actually couldn't drive to higher than a -10dB level you may well find that it's still adequate to drive the amp to as loud as you want it. As for the overheating issue, that would be exceedingly rare. Overheating is usually caused by trying to drive too low an impedance load. In any event, what do you have to lose by trying it? You can always add another pre when and if you need it.
Just use jumpers with MONO 1/4" plugs. That will take care of your balanced/unbalanced "problem".The -Sig contact in the jack will touch the grounded portion of the barrel, as will ground. The +Sig contact will touch the tip.
14 dB? Come on Bill, you know the difference between -10 dBV and +4 dBu is only 11.79 dB.
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