Volume Too Loud When Connecting Receiver to External Amp

HoneyBadger
HoneyBadger Posts: 7
edited July 2013 in Electronics
Hi All,

I've got a pair of SDA IIs, an old Yamaha receiver, and a Hafler 9270 amplifier. When I connect the speakers straight to the receiver, the volume works, but I get a lot of distortion. When I connect the speakers to the amplifier, then to the receiver, the volume knob on the receiver doesn't work and everything plays at top volume.

I've tried an iPhone (using the 3.5 and the direct line out) and turntable as the music source with the same result.

Any ideas on what the issue could be and how to fix it?

Thanks!
Post edited by HoneyBadger on
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Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited July 2013
    Hello,
    Are using the "tape out" connection on the receiver to give a signal to the Hafler?
    Ken
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  • HoneyBadger
    HoneyBadger Posts: 7
    edited July 2013
    Yessir!
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited July 2013
    That's the problem, the "tape out" is before the unit's volume control so when someone is making a tape recording they don't have to have the volume control at any particular setting. But, this means a constantly high level signal is coming into the Hafler no matter where the volume is set. Does the receiver have a "preamp out/power amp in" connection?
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  • HoneyBadger
    HoneyBadger Posts: 7
    edited July 2013
    Shoot, it only has the tape out option (see pic below). Is there another way to get the output to the speakers, or is a new receiver required?

    photo.JPG
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited July 2013
    There are "speaker level to line level" adaptors around, but that would compromise the sound a bit. Why not consider a reasonable priced preamp or preamp/tuner to go with the Hafler? Certainly Adcom comes to mind. That would be a definite step forward instead of going with another receiver, which is a step sideways.
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  • HoneyBadger
    HoneyBadger Posts: 7
    edited July 2013
    I figured it would be easier to find a used receiver than preamp, but don't have a major preference either way. The guy that sold me the Hafler is also selling an Adcom GFP-565, so may go with that.
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  • HoneyBadger
    HoneyBadger Posts: 7
    edited July 2013
    Also, thanks for your help! Much appreciated!
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited July 2013
    No problem, the Adcom would be a fine choice.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited July 2013
    Honey badger, there are some decent preamps to be found in the used market that would be less than a receiver.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited July 2013
    There are used pre amps everywhere. Audiogon, eBay, here, etc.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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