Which preamp should I take ?

[ignaceii]

Hello,
 
I got 3 NADs. 2 integrated amplifiers and a vintage preamp.
 
The integrated amps are.
 
The c326bee.  2 x 50 Watts RMS at 8 ohm
The c375bee.  2 x 150 Watts RMS at 8 ohm.
 
The older 1021 preamp from the vintage 2000 series.
 
First I used the 1021 to drive both integrated amps, also having 2 sets of speakers.
 
 
Now, all speakers are connected to the big 375. The c326 can only take 1 set.
The 1021 is still the preamp. 
The c326bee is out of work.
 
Question.
 
I put the c326bee for sale.
But I once asked NAD that question and they suggested to use the c326bee as preamp.
 
I Tried, but volume settings were far different, where the 1021 only needed a little turn to turn up the volume, which was not the case with the c326. But of course , now everything is entered around the 375bee and a DAC in front.
 
QUESTION.
So. Sell the 326bee or use him as preamp, which he is capable off. ???
 
What would I gain taking the c326bee as preamp versus the old 1021.
 
Of course none of the amps are power amps, but integrated.
 
 
Thanks for your advise.
The offerings to buy him are coming in so thanks for a speedy advise
 
Bye.
Ignace

 

[PleasantSounds]

I see no advantage using the 326 as a preamp, as the 375 can handle all the inputs by itself eqially well.
No idea what the 1021 is, but if it was my system I would most likely just use the 375 for everything and retire the other two.
Sometimes less is more...

 

[ignaceii]

Thanks for replying.
It is the 1020 exactly, which is the preamplifier from the vintage 2000 series.
He does his job very well actually, better than the c326bee...
But yes the c375 is an integrated amp. It should be a power amp to benefit from a preamp.
I preamped the Rega Elicit R too. Useless then ?
 
To your opinion would the c375 without preamp produce better sound ? Now it is great, but I had the c375 standalone also in mind.
Another thing perhaps you can help.
Those famous jumpers. What do they exactly ?
I know I get a metallic bridge to close the preamp on the c375. 
But there are special jumper cables for sale which should enhance sound remarkably. ???
Also the c375bee has 2 pre outs. Do I need 2 bridges than. In the manual only one is bridged. 
Is it worth the money ?
 
Thanks for your input

 

[PleasantSounds]

The functions of preamp typically include:
- handling of multiple inputs, possibly including normalisation of signal (e.g. phono)
- volume control, sometimes also tone control
 
If your integrated amp does all this, then keeping a preamp in your chain adds no sonic advantages and in fact may have a negative impact on sound quality: additional components in the signal path increase noise and distortions. There's also additional energy consumption, especially if you use integrated amp as a preamp.
 
Having said that, there may be situations in which additional preamp could be desirable, for example:
- different physical location of your power amp, where input switching and volume control would be inconvenient
- higher quality of the added preamp or some other sonic properties that the integrated amp doesn't have
 
That's the theory, but in the end you have to decide what is right for you. The sound quality loss should be negligible, and you may like the looks of the added preamp or prefer the controls layout and tactile response - that's also fine.
 
I can't comment on the jumpers as I have no experience with that.

 

[ignaceii]

Thank you.
Another question.
In my 2 setups, the Nads and a REGA config, I use DACs.
The DACs hook up in the tuner socket of the preamp, and that is it. Yes, my REGA headphone amp gets the DAC input first, and has a lead to the tuner on the preamp.
But what in case I suspend the preamp, so that the DAC has to connect directly with the 375. I tried it with the tuner socket, no result. The 375 has its own optional DAC module, but I do not have it.
I wonder how to connect them.
Under images on google search c375bee you certainly will see photos of the rear of the 375.
It works fine now with the 1020.
Only standalone I do not have a clue as to where the DAC has to be connected.
If it cannot work, easy for the rest as the preamp stays in front .

Thanks.
Ignace

 

[PleasantSounds]

This should work.
What output are you using on the REGA to connect it to the preamp?

 

[ignaceii]

Do not understand me wrong.
On the REGA too, I connect to the tuner socket of the PREAMP, not the receiver. It works both using the preamp.
When you this should work . What then ?
If I connect straight into the c375 it DOES NOT work. Do not know why.
Of course the Internet is all about the built in DAC from NAD, but I happen to use an advance accoustically mdx-300.
It should be so straightforward, burn it isn't apparently.

 

[PleasantSounds]

You mean you connect the DAC output straight to the c375 tuner input and it doesn't work?
Are you sure you are selecting the tuner input on the c375?
Edit: When you use preamp, which input is it connected to?

 

[ignaceii]

I use tuner input on the preamp.works always via preamp.
I will give it another try tuner input c375.

 

[ignaceii]

NO.
As I replaced the cable on the preamp, it did not work either. Blame, what is this. My REGA amp stood mute. DAC comes in the REGA headphone amp, and links to the preamp tuner. So I retried the DAC straight in the c375 , mute out, although the REGA does not connect with the amp. But mute out. Whatever. No sound, sorry.