Difference between a loop out and preamp out in headamp

[malcolmhead]

Hi all

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but can anyone tell me the answer for above question?

I'm thinking of getting a headamp but would like to make use of this as a preamp for my hifi rig as well. In that case, should I use headamp with loopout or preamp out?

Which tube headamp with loopout/preamp out would you recommend for grado cans?

Thanks in advance.

 

[elnero]

Well from my understanding a loop out is a set voltage so you can't vary the volume level via the volume control whereas a pre-amp output is controllable via the volume control.

 

[jcn3]

^^^^ that's correct.

 

[braillediver]

Yes /\ /\ Loop out is the same as loop in- probably around 2 volts depending on the source type.

Pre-amp out is variable for controling an amplifier without its own volume control.


Mitch

 

[LeChuck]

Preamp out is meant to be used with a power amp, where loop out is the same unaltered line-level signal that comes out of your source, which can be fed into an integrated amplifier.

Preamps use the circuitry of the amplifier and will take on its sonic characteristics, while loop outs are passive and (in my understanding) are essentially like splitting the line-level signal.

 

[malcolmhead]

Thanks for all the information.

Now, I'm using the Marantz CD6002 as the source and Alessandro MS2 for the cans, so may I know what tube amps with loopout or preamp out will work with this setup, yet able to extend subsequently to a hifi rig. The CD6002 only have 1 set of RCA out.

Thanks again.

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by malcolmhead /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for all the information. Now, I'm using the Marantz CD6002 as the source and Alessandro MS2 for the cans, so may I know what tube amps with loopout or preamp out will work with this setup, yet able to extend subsequently to a hifi rig. The CD6002 only have 1 set of RCA out. Thanks again.

LeChuck nailed the distinction between Loop out and Preamp Out.

I don't completely understand your situation (or more precisely, your question).

If you simply want to add a headphone amp to your system, get one and use it. If you need another set of RCA outputs for your speaker rig, just get a pair of RCA splitters. This will work exactly like the "Loop Out" on any headphone amp.

If you want to use the headphone amp as a PreAmp as well (changing the sound characteristics of your power amp, adding volume control, amplifying signal before power amp, whatever your reason), you will need to either use an amp that has specific PreAmp outputs.

Check out the "Other Options" page on Amb's M3 website to see how a headphone amp should be configured to be used as a PreAmp and you should get the idea of which amps can by default be used as PreAmps and which need to be specifically wired for them (Amplified Ground Channel, Virtual Ground).

Hope that helps. To put it simply:
Headphone amp only : RCA Splitters
Headphone amp & PreAmp : look for amp with PreAmp Out or wire it yourself (or find a 2-channel amp without ground and use the output as PreAmp).