Receiver as a pre-amp

rncala

Hi,

I want to use my Sony STR-DA50ES receiver as a pre-amp for my Nakamichi PA-5 power amp with Polk SDA SRS-2 speakers. Sony supports that function through L/R receiver pre-outs. Here are my reasons:

1. The Nakamichi is a better amp (140wpc/4ohms) than the Sony receiver (120wpc/4ohms), but
2. The Sony receiver has a better DA converter than my Sony CDP-C77ES CD player (toslink out),
3. The Sony receiver has better volume control (continuous) than the Nakamichi CA-5 pre-amp (large steps) and
4. The Sony receiver is fully controlled by my Logitech Harmony remote.

My questions are:

1. Is this a good idea, or do you see technical problems ahead?
2. How much does the receiver, as a pre-amp, contribute to the sound quality?
3. Will the quality of sound improve using the Sony receiver/pre-amp with the Nakamichi power amp vs. the receiver alone?

Finally, these are all vintage pieces (except the remote) that I've owned for 10 to 20+ years and recently re-configured for a 2-channel listening room. I know I could buy newer, better components, but I want to make the most of what I have for now.

Thanks for your attention!

Rob

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

If that Sony has L/R outs, you can certainly do that. But I doubt that it will "improve" the sound because the Nakamichi pre-amp is a better pre than the pre-amp in a Sony ES receiver! But if you're doing it "mostly" for the trade off in better DACs in the Sony receiver I'd listen to that first!

Ideally a pre-amp shouldn't add its own color to the amp, but that's often not the case. The Nak CA-5 is fairly neutral. The Sony, I suspect, not as much.

To answer question #3. The Sony with the Nak Power amp should sound "better". But the Nak amp and Nak Pre-amp together should sound better than the Sony with the Nak power amp. But go ahead and try all the combinations and see what you think!

As you can see below. I'm pretty familiar with the Nakamichi CA-5 which I run alternately with a NAD 214 and an Adcom GFA-545.

cnh

EndersShadow

Just as an FYI, those two NAK units you own are some VERY GOOD items. I would as suggested try the NAK combo together, or look at selling your Sony and NAK pre for a good unit with digital in's if thats what your looking for, however it would be much easier to find a CD player with better DAC's and just use that with your NAK units.

rncala

Thanks for your input!

I have a better CD player in mind from Jolida (JD100A). If it supports continuously variable L/R output I could control volume through my Harmony remote and reconnect the Nakamichi CA-5.

Jolida's CD has variable output through the front panel headphone jack; however, the 2 pair of L/R analogue rear outputs are not labeled constant or variable. I'll have to email them to clarify.

Otherwise, I'm shopping for a new pre-amp with continuously variable volume and other features. Meanwhile, I'll give the Sony a try as pre-amp and see how it works.

Thanks again!

Rob

cnh

Jolida is a nice player. Should do a good job with your CDs. I run a slightly higher model below and am very happy with it.

A simple solution to your problem would be to put the equipment within arms reach of your listening position and be able to adjust it without getting up.

I have some vintage gear "on" part of my L shaped office desk--don't have to worry about the fact that it's not remote control friendly.

cnh

rncala

Thanks cnh -- I might do that!

I'm still testing the Sony/Naki configuration. It has a unique sound somewhere between the Sony (cool) and the Naki/Naki (warm). It is crisp like the Sony, but with a little more depth, bass and a hint of reverb in the vocals. I am running the Sony flat -- no soundfield, eq or bass boost.

Getting up to change the volume isn't that difficult. It is only a few feet from my listening chair. However, when I'm on the computer I place 4 or 5 discs in the carousel changer and keep the Harmony remote next to my mouse; so nothing breaks my concentration.

Meanwhile, I discovered another highly regarded CD player in the $1000 range -- the Rega Apollo-R. Have you heard one or know of anyone who has it. I may have a tough choice between that and the Jolida.

Rob