Using a receiver or preamp as amp

[Piccolo Daimaou]

Not too long ago, I tried using my HD580s through an old Yamaha preamp that's been sitting in the attic at my parents' house since the mid 1990s. I hooked up my sound card to the preamp, plugged the cans in, and gave it a listen. The sound was different. I can't really put my finger on how to describe it. The tones just weren't the same. I'd say it was colored, but I don't really even know if that'd accurately describe it. But in any case, I was really surprised. I didn't think it would sound so different. But then again, the preamp is almost 20 years old and spent a number of those years in the attic, so the climate may have taken its toll.

I know that the older Marantz preamps have been reccommended from time to time for amplification purposes, but I'm just curious how people feel about using the built-in headphone circuitry of modern preamps/receivers for amplification.

 

[bootman]

It's a mixed bag.
Unfortuately most headphones out on current equipment is only added as an afterthought.

If the components are not carfully chosen, you get the results you experienced.