Integrated Amp pre-out/amp-in
 

The owners manual for my Mc integrated describes using the pre-out RCA connections to drive a separate amplifier but nothing about using the connectors in a different way.

I would like to use the amp-in connectors with a separate preamplifier. I am working my way toward separate components in steps.

Has anyone used the amp-in connectors with a separate preamp successfully? I mean it sounded good and did not damage the amp section.

Thanks for any input.

While I was building my Mc system I did a similar thing with my Marantz receiver, that's what the inputs are there for so no worries on damage. Which Mc integrated do you have?

Hey Dizzie, what model IA are we talking about?

When I was going separates, I took the jumpers out of my MA5300 and hooked it up to my C2600. It sounded fine and no issues.

MA8950

Gentlemen, Thank you for the responses.

If I understand the question correctly, he wants to use a separate power amplifier and the MA8950 as its preamp. If so, I would suggest running a pair of RCA interconnects out of Output 2 on the back of the MA8950, leaving the jumpers in place, then switch off output 1 on the front panel and switch on output 2. Obviously the external amp is the one connected to the speakers.

This is the way I am running my MC1502 with my MA8000. The results are perfect and switching back to the MA8000 only takes less than a minute. (I have the video to prove it) :yes:

You have it backwards. I want to use a separate preamp and use the McIntosh as an amplifier only. This is an experiment at this time but may be permanent or lead to other changes.

My bad. Sorry.

Sure, just pull the jumpers and run your new preamp outputs into the 8950’s power amp inputs and enjoy.

I have the following set up now using "Passthru" mode on my MA5300 to power my mains when connected my Marantz AV processor for watching TV.

If your 8950 has the same option, connect RCA stereo out from processor to unbalanced RCA #4 analogue in on 8950. Then select input to "Passthru" on 8950 and connect "Trigger Out" from to "Passthru" input on 8950. This will automatically turn on the Mc power amp section when you start up the AV processor and will bypass the Mc DAC. See the illustration of this solution on page 9 of the 5300 manual.

I use the optical input on the 5300 for stereo music streaming from AppleTV.

Really appreciate the versatility of the Mc integrated.