Hook up 2 channel Pre-amp to AVR?

KrazyMofo24
KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
edited May 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I have a Parasound P/SP-1000, and a Harman Kardon AVR-335. I would like to be able to run the pre-amp to the AVR. The Parasound has a Line/Audio Input which says I can run it in to my main line output of the existing preamp, and when its powered off it'll be in a bypass mode.

Important Note: When the unit is off in its bypass mode, the signal from the source connected to the Line/Audio input is passed to the P/SP-1000 Bypass output jack at its full level. Be sure to turn on the P/SP-1000 before you turn on the source component connected to the LINE/AUDIO input and Bypass output. Otherwise, the high signal level may overdrive the amplifier and speakers.

So in order for it to work best I should plug the interconnects into the F/R pre out on my Harman/Kardon and have the Parasound turned off when I'm using that input so it can be in bypass mode.

Is this note saying that I should power on the Parasound first, then the Harman Kardon, and then power off the parasound to put it in bypass mode?


Any help would be appreciated.
Setup:

2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

Post edited by KrazyMofo24 on

Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2009
    Why?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited May 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Why?

    "Why" is my favorite word in the English language. The word "no" is my second favorite.:D
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    For surround sound.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited May 2009
    Is this note saying that I should power on the Parasound first, then the Harman Kardon, and then power off the parasound to put it in bypass mode?

    No. It's saying that any source connected to the Parasound will pass through at full volume when it's off (no attenuation), so make sure the Parasound is on, before powering up any sources connected to it.

    Edit: It really doesn't make sense now that I read it again, anything connected to the HK should be controlled by it's volume control, so how would it be at full volume?
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    What gets me is that if I go this route, I would want the Parasound turned off so it's in bypass mode, and only the H/k will control the volume. Assuming this is how it works.

    In the note it says I need to turn the Parasound on first before powering on the source. However it needs to be turned off to be in bypass mode so it sounds like I have to turn on the Parasound first, turn on H/K, and source which will by my PS3, then turn off parasound to put it in bypass mode.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    edited May 2009
    Can you hear a difference between the HK and the 2 channel pre? Just askin' is all.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited May 2009
    For surround sound.

    You already have an audio/video receiver that has modern processing, and pre-outs to all channels. The Parasound is an OLD add on surround sound component to convert an existing stereo system into a surround sound, and it is of no use to you.
  • Freak When C
    Freak When C Posts: 231
    edited May 2009
    What gets me is that if I go this route, I would want the Parasound turned off so it's in bypass mode, and only the H/k will control the volume. Assuming this is how it works.

    I have a Parasound Model 2100 preamp with HT bypass and that is exactly how it works. With the Parasound turned off it's in bypass mode. You might try going onto Parasounds website and pulling up the manual for the 2100 and see if it has any info that might help you with your preamp.
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    tonyb wrote: »
    Can you hear a difference between the HK and the 2 channel pre? Just askin' is all.

    Yes I can otherwise I would just use the H/K. I'll compare the two again tomorrow. I recently changed from a H/k 3385 with preouts to the H/k receiver. When I replaced it with the B&K ST-202 I got a harsh sound, and didn't like it. I tried it with a Parasound, and now I have zero harshness and a very warm sound.

    CRESCENDOPOWER I think you're right in regards to trying to hook it up the H/k.

    I think I'll just get another pair of speaker wire, and set up my Lsi7's as mains for HT.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    I have a Parasound Model 2100 preamp with HT bypass and that is exactly how it works. With the Parasound turned off it's in bypass mode. You might try going onto Parasounds website and pulling up the manual for the 2100 and see if it has any info that might help you with your preamp.

    Thanks for your input I will check that out. That note has stopped me from just trying it out I don't want to risk frying anything until I have a better understanding.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited May 2009
    Sell it! All you are doing is adding another component into the signal path.
  • Freak When C
    Freak When C Posts: 231
    edited May 2009
    Is this note saying that I should power on the Parasound first, then the Harman Kardon, and then power off the parasound to put it in bypass mode?

    No, I think what it's saying is this. Let's say you have a DVD player connected as your source. When in bypass mode the Parasound does not control the volume. You use your AVR to control it. That's why it's getting the full signal. so the AVR can control the volume of that source. However, if all components are off and you want to use the Parasound for two channel, make sure you turn it on before turning on the DVD player.

    I think that's what it's saying. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    Having the best 2.1 sound possible is my first goal. Currently that is with the Parasound/B&K and the Haydn's. Again I will give the H/k another shot tomorrow.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited May 2009
    No, I think what it's saying is this. Let's say you have a DVD player connected as your source. When in bypass mode the Parasound does not control the volume. You use your AVR to control it. That's why it's getting the full signal. so the AVR can control the volume of that source. However, if all components are off and you want to use the Parasound for two channel, make sure you turn it on before turning on the DVD player.

    I think that's what it's saying. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

    That makes more sense. So as long as the AVR is on I can keep the Parasound in bypass mode, and turn on/off the source freely.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

  • Freak When C
    Freak When C Posts: 231
    edited May 2009
    That's why it has this bypass mode, so you can use your source with the AVR and when you want to enjoy stereo music, you can do so without having to utilize the AVR for two channel listening.
  • Freak When C
    Freak When C Posts: 231
    edited May 2009
    That makes more sense. So as long as the AVR is on I can keep the Parasound in bypass mode, and turn on/off the source freely.

    Yes, I'm pretty sure that's how it's designed to work. I'd still make sure the volume on the AVR is not cranked up though until you're sure how it's supposed to work.
  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited May 2009
    Having the best 2.1 sound possible is my first goal. Currently that is with the Parasound/B&K and the Haydn's. Again I will give the H/k another shot tomorrow.

    I would try to find a pair of Rti6, and a Rti center to match your rears, and run your music source component straight to the Parasound preamp then to the B&K amp then to the Haydn’s.