Modern preamps with "Rec Out"?

[mackat]

Hi,

I am looking at buying an Audiophonics HPA-S400ET or similar Hypex amplifier to use with my Revel F206 speakers.

I have considered pairing it with a Schiit Saga S or Freya S preamp (I don't really need balanced), but the issue is that they don't have a "Rec Out/Tape Out" RCA line-level passthrough that I can connect to my headphone amplifier. They have 2 RCA outputs, but both are designed to go into a power amp and are controlled by the volume knob.

In the past, I used switch boxes for this, but I have discovered that I prefer the simplicity of using a passthrough from the preamp.

Are there any quality, new (remote controlled volume) preamps that have this feature? I haven't been able to find any. I'm sure I could find an 80's-90's model, but I'd prefer new, if there are any.

Thanks!
Ben

 

[JustJones]

If you want line out that bypasses volume the Rotel RC-1590 MKII.

• Stereo Line Output: There is also a stereo RCA line output that can be used to send the analog audio to a separate processor device; these outputs bypass the volume encoder and are full-line level output all the time.

Parasound Halo P6

• unbalanced stereo RCA fixed-level recording output

Anthem STR

• 1 set of fixed-level line outputs for connecting a headphone amp or recording device

 

[rwortman]

My Macintosh C49 has one.

 

[mackat]

Thank you both for the suggestions! It looks like there's really nothing in the price range I was hoping for, so I'll have to just use a switch box with the Schiit or go for an older unit.

 

[rwortman]

This one has a fixed output on a minijack and is cheap. https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PRPRBS2AN
You said quality and new. That has a price floor. I used a Schiit SYS as a switch before I bought a “real” preamp.

 

[JustJones]

Cheaper preamp with fixed output

Audio Advisor

Welcome to our new site! Free shipping on orders over $49. Enjoy 60 day returns. Orders placed by 2pm ship same day.

www.audioadvisor.com

 

[ethernode]

Also interested in this, have a Kenwood basic c1 but it would need a full restoration (likely extremely costly if not risky) and I'd like network volume control at some point.

 

[ethernode]

Found the pro-ject pre-box DS2 digital reviewed by amirm (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ro-ject-pre-box-ds2-dac-pre-amp-review.15414/) has a fixed output. It costs 800€ and has IR remote (alas no network control).

Even cheaper mentioned by @rwortman also with fixed out is the Pre Box S2 Analogue, it also supports a remote control and costs 549€.

 

[ethernode]

Also there is the tisbury mini passive preamp 2 that provides a fixed output and is really cheap -- but no remote control (off topic I know, but still being made so that's kind of modern right?) https://www.tisburyaudio.co.uk/mini-passive-preamplifier

However I believe that passive amps are a bit controversial in terms of transparency.

I'm baffled how hard it is to find preamps with fixed outputs... The good old days of mixtapes are well gone !

On my side, I use the fixed output for a "low tech" multiroom system, where I use analog balun adapters to carry audio over shielded RJ45 cables. Zero latency, zero bugs, future proof.

 

[ethernode]

Also there is the ADVANCE PARIS PX1 preamp and the ATOLL PR200 SIGNATURE (each is around 1000€)

 

[Berwhale]

My understanding is that the Topping Pre90 has independent level settings for XLR and RCA outputs.

Independent volume is mentioned in Stereophile review here: https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-pre90-line-preamplifier

ASR Review here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-pre90-review-preamplifier.18283/

 

[ethernode]

Thanks for the pointers.
It's not that clear to me: if you set the output mode to "XLR only", the RCA out will become fixed volume ?

 

[Berwhale]

Thanks for the pointers.
It's not that clear to me: if you set the output mode to "XLR only", the RCA out will become fixed volume ?

"One peculiarity: You can set the Pre90's output to "XLR only," "RCA only," or both "RCA and XLR." As is typical in devices that offer both, balanced output is 6dB higher than unbalanced output. When you choose XLR output only, the display reflects the XLR output—as you would expect. Similarly, when you select RCA output only, the display shows the RCA output. But when you choose "RCA and XLR" output, the XLR output will be higher than the RCA output by 6dB, but the display will indicate the gain at the RCA output. So, the Pre90 will display 0dB when the RCA is outputting the same level as the input signal—but the XLR output will be 6dB louder than the display indicates. These phenomena are not affected by the choice of input."

It's either or both outputs. So you'd set the output connected to your HP amp to 0dB and the other to whatever was appropriate for your power amp. However, accidentally selecting XLR + RCA sounds a bit risky if you have one output set to max (especially the RCA output). @Kal Rubinson wrote the Sterophile review and maybe able to shed more light on your suggested use case.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

"One peculiarity: You can set the Pre90's output to "XLR only," "RCA only," or both "RCA and XLR." As is typical in devices that offer both, balanced output is 6dB higher than unbalanced output. When you choose XLR output only, the display reflects the XLR output—as you would expect. Similarly, when you select RCA output only, the display shows the RCA output. But when you choose "RCA and XLR" output, the XLR output will be higher than the RCA output by 6dB, but the display will indicate the gain at the RCA output. So, the Pre90 will display 0dB when the RCA is outputting the same level as the input signal—but the XLR output will be 6dB louder than the display indicates. These phenomena are not affected by the choice of input."

It's either or both outputs. So you'd set the output connected to your HP amp to 0dB and the other to whatever was appropriate for your power amp. However, accidentally selecting XLR + RCA sounds a bit risky if you have one output set to max (especially the RCA output). @Kal Rubinson wrote the Sterophile review and maybe able to shed more light on your suggested use case.

I don't think it is risky. Once both are connected, they are regulated in tandem and, generally, by ear. What you cannot do, afaik, is impose a custom fixed difference in output, other than that 6dB, so if that is required, you will have to do it in another way.

 

[ethernode]

Thanks for clarifying ! One more contender then, as long as you use an XLR power amp and buy the additional inputs extension (but @mackat did not describe the required inputs).

 

[dougi]

I have the Quad Artera PRE (analog only). It has a second RCA out that is fixed. The "AUX" below. US$1500 I think over there. Brings back the old Quad tilt tone control as well, not that I use it. Trimmable gain on each input too which is nice.

 

[mackat]

I find it a bit strange that these companies didn't include a rec out/line out as a passthrough for a headphone amplifier, considering they also manufacture them and they are very commonly used.

 

[TonyJZX]

that quad is a gorgeous looking piece of equipment but it makes the sin of removing the volume knob for aesthetics

i quite like this segment... i would love a line stage analog preamp but it seems to be not the way things are going now

 

[dougi]

that quad is a gorgeous looking piece of equipment but it makes the sin of removing the volume knob for aesthetics

i quite like this segment... i would love a line stage analog preamp but it seems to be not the way things are going now

Yes it does, but what one reviewer didn't realize is that you can change the volume on the unit itself by pressing on the edges of the display. Still, there are some changes I asked them to make, just as having a display time-out, but I am not holding my breath. They couldn't even be bothered putting the manual up on their website, I had to ask for that.

 

[JiiPee]

Exposure 3510 and 5010 preamps both come with rec out and remote control.