Weak Link Question...

Bass_Pedal

Ok, first I would like to say I have really enjoyed reading this forum and am glad to now be a member. I have just recently purchased a pair of RTi A7's. I have always made various attempts at getting the best bang for my buck when putting together a 2 channel music system. I think I have finally assembled some of the components required to pull off something half-way decent but I would like to know if my weak link pre-amp is going to hold me back. This is what I have:

Speakers: RTi A7's
Amplification: Adcom GFA 555
CD Player: Rotel RCD-02
Pre-amp (WEAK LINK) - Yamaha HTR 5560 http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200182&CTID=5000400

Now I'm not slagging Yamaha in any way. This HT receiver has served me well for years for movies as well as music when I could not afford better gear. At the same time I realize it is not in the same class as the rest of the set-up. What I really would like to know in general as well as specifically for my set up is, if I use the analogue connection to the Yamaha, utilizing the excellent DAC of the Rotel and I am using the power of the Adcom for amplification, how much will the Yamaha effect the end result. I have not actually got the Rotel CD player in my hands yet but have one on the way so I have not yet tested it for myself.

Thanks

janmike

When I owned a Yamaha RX-V1500 and a Marantz SE67 CDP I initially had a digital cable between them. Then a good friend and forum member told me to do the analog connection between the receiver and the CDP. It was night and day. When you get the Rotel try it for yourself. You will surely hear the difference.

dkg999

I have the Yamaha 5660 HTR running in the kids HT system, not a bad pre/pro section for 5.1, but pretty marginal for 2 ch music. I would definetely rate it as the weak link. I would look for a better 2 ch pre. If you don't need a remote, some of the older B&K, Kenwood C1/C2, Parasound P/HP-850, and Carver C1 pre's can be found for $200 or under. If you want the remote, you'll probably need to bump up to $300 or above for a decent 2 ch pre.

Bass_Pedal

Thanks for the assistance. I will replace the receiver with a more suitable two channel pre-amp. My only complication is that my set-up is also part of my 5.1 HT as well which will still require the use of the Yamaha. I suppose I can use an input switcher at the amplifier level to switch between music and movie viewing for the towers. Would an input switcher noticeably degrade signal quality?

dkg999

Look for a pre-amp with a HT bypass. This will allow the pre-amp section to be bypassed and just send the output from the Yamaha HTR straight through to your Adcom amp. This way you can have both 2 ch and HT systems without any complicated wiring. It may be a little more expensive for a pre with HT bypass, but well worth it in reduced hassle factor.

Bass_Pedal

Awesome! I didn’t know that feature existed. Thanks so much, I know what I have to do now. This forum rocks!

cfrizz

Welcome Bass Pedal! You have put together an outstanding system. Enjoy!

mdale

Bass_Pedal wrote: »

Ok, first I would like to say I have really enjoyed reading this forum and am glad to now be a member. I have just recently purchased a pair of RTi A7's. I have always made various attempts at getting the best bang for my buck when putting together a 2 channel music system. I think I have finally assembled some of the components required to pull off something half-way decent but I would like to know if my weak link pre-amp is going to hold me back. This is what I have:

Speakers: RTi A7's
Amplification: Adcom GFA 555
CD Player: Rotel RCD-02
Pre-amp (WEAK LINK) - Yamaha HTR 5560 http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200182&CTID=5000400

Now I'm not slagging Yamaha in any way. This HT receiver has served me well for years for movies as well as music when I could not afford better gear. At the same time I realize it is not in the same class as the rest of the set-up. What I really would like to know in general as well as specifically for my set up is, if I use the analogue connection to the Yamaha, utilizing the excellent DAC of the Rotel and I am using the power of the Adcom for amplification, how much will the Yamaha effect the end result. I have not actually got the Rotel CD player in my hands yet but have one on the way so I have not yet tested it for myself.

Thanks

Bass_Pedal: I'm new to the forum; this is my first reply. Hope you are well. Own a Yamaha HTR5560 and recently acquired A7s. Based on your experience, what would you recommend in terms of pre-amp, amp, and CDP? Did you replace your 5560? Are you satisfied with your current set-up? Thank you. - mdale