Stupid question

BullShifter
BullShifter Posts: 66
edited February 2006 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Can I run my front channel speaker outputs via RCA's to an external amps inputs? You can do this on car amps, so I don't see why it wont work for a home amp. Please advice

Thanks
HK AVR 335
Polk R50 fronts
Polk CSi25 center
Polk R15 rear
2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
32" Sharp Aquos
PS2
Post edited by BullShifter on
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  • karpiel666
    karpiel666 Posts: 173
    edited February 2006
    you can if the external amp has high level inputs, which most car amps do. Im pretty sure if it only has low level rca inputs it will definatly not work. what amp is it?
    dvd player: samsung DVD-HD850
    receiver: Denon avr5700
    center: polk cs400
    fronts: polk rt800i
    surrounds: Unknown Polk monitor? series.
    sub: svs pb12 isd/v
    tv: 46 inch samsung
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  • labrat
    labrat Posts: 120
    edited February 2006
    If your receiver has pre outs then yes you can run RCA cables to an external amp. Most entry level receivers don't have pre outs but if you post which one you are using I am sure someone on this forum would know if it does.

    Scott
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  • BullShifter
    BullShifter Posts: 66
    edited February 2006
    I know my receiver doesn't have pre-outs thats why I was asking if I could go speaker outputs via RCA to an amp. I just got my R50's today and what a difference in sound compared to my old crap speakers. The receiver needs to be turned up much more than before to get the same sound level. I was hoping to connect an external amp like a ghetto wired car amp to save some money until I can buy the receiver I want. I even have speaker wire to RCA convertors for car audio which I thought might work as well. Oh well I need me a nice HK anyway.
    HK AVR 335
    Polk R50 fronts
    Polk CSi25 center
    Polk R15 rear
    2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
    32" Sharp Aquos
    PS2
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  • karpiel666
    karpiel666 Posts: 173
    edited February 2006
    I dont see why it wouldent work with a car amp.
    dvd player: samsung DVD-HD850
    receiver: Denon avr5700
    center: polk cs400
    fronts: polk rt800i
    surrounds: Unknown Polk monitor? series.
    sub: svs pb12 isd/v
    tv: 46 inch samsung
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited February 2006
    if you DO try this jerry rig work around.. ghetto amp.. try it with your old crappy sounding speakers first. .. don't do it with the R50's. you have a chance of toasting them.. toast the old speakers.. NOT your new ones. :p
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited February 2006
    BS, you didn't describe the convertor which you have in detail, but if it's something like this , what it does is to insert a very high resistance(10,000 ohms or more)in series with the speaker level output so that practically zero power goes out, but the audio signal does. If what you have does this, it'll work with your amplifier. Another point though is if your receiver drives the speakers adequately, even if you have to turn the volume control higher than before, you shouldn't be unduly concerned about the matter.
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  • BullShifter
    BullShifter Posts: 66
    edited February 2006
    John K. that is very close to what I have. One of my neighbors moved leaving me an audiosource amp 2ch and eq, neither being used. I just figured since I don't need to spend any money it's worth a try. After re-adjusting my receiver and subs, the sound is SO MUCH better than it was with the old settings.

    danger boy I'll definately use my old stuff first, haven't smelled a blown speaker in a while :D
    HK AVR 335
    Polk R50 fronts
    Polk CSi25 center
    Polk R15 rear
    2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
    32" Sharp Aquos
    PS2
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2006
    Watch ebay for a Carver Z-1 Coupler. Usually go around $25. Normally see 1 a week or so...

    Welcome to the Club...
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
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    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
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  • BullShifter
    BullShifter Posts: 66
    edited February 2006
    I tried it with 3 different receivers and 3 sets of speakers. There is an improvement but the amp or RCA convertors are bad. I get a very noticeable HUM no matter what receiver of speakers I use, my guess would be the amp or connectors. My Sony will have to run my speakers for now because I'm not listening to a HUM.

    Thanks to all for any input.
    HK AVR 335
    Polk R50 fronts
    Polk CSi25 center
    Polk R15 rear
    2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
    32" Sharp Aquos
    PS2
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  • labrat
    labrat Posts: 120
    edited February 2006
    Bullshifter,

    That hum you are hearing is probably a ground loop issue. When I have set up "ghetto" systems in the past I worked around the hum by grounding the chassis of all the components together. It usually only takes doorbell wire to make the hum go away.

    Good luck,

    Scott
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  • ward91
    ward91 Posts: 338
    edited February 2006
    am i confused?

    are we running high level outputs (to speakers) into LOW level inputs (from cd player ..) ????????????????????????????????????????????
    ELECTRONICS
    arcam cd93
    linn wakonda
    MC2 MC450
    Teac ud h01 DAC


    SPEAKERS
    Tannoy DC6 t se .
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  • ward91
    ward91 Posts: 338
    edited February 2006
    is this what u mean ??

    my attachment was too large i will edited this of the back of my amp instead.
    ELECTRONICS
    arcam cd93
    linn wakonda
    MC2 MC450
    Teac ud h01 DAC


    SPEAKERS
    Tannoy DC6 t se .
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  • BullShifter
    BullShifter Posts: 66
    edited February 2006
    labrat wrote:
    Bullshifter,

    That hum you are hearing is probably a ground loop issue. When I have set up "ghetto" systems in the past I worked around the hum by grounding the chassis of all the components together. It usually only takes doorbell wire to make the hum go away.

    Good luck,

    Scott

    Screw it just got a HK 335 and did it right.
    HK AVR 335
    Polk R50 fronts
    Polk CSi25 center
    Polk R15 rear
    2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
    32" Sharp Aquos
    PS2
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  • labrat
    labrat Posts: 120
    edited February 2006
    Glad to hear you stepped up and did it right. I've been thinking about the HK line myself - what do you think of it so far?

    Scott
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  • BullShifter
    BullShifter Posts: 66
    edited February 2006
    I'm not too sure, it's not here yet. If you search HK receivers on Ebay AVR 335 completed items, mine is one of the cheapest!!!!!!!!! It's a refurb from Harmanaudio.
    HK AVR 335
    Polk R50 fronts
    Polk CSi25 center
    Polk R15 rear
    2 Sony modded subs with 12" Daytons
    32" Sharp Aquos
    PS2
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