Can I use integrated as standalone pre and/or amp?


My main system is suffering from a weak left channel, especially noticeable at low volumes. I've ruled out source as the culprit, as the problem exists with both turntable and CD player. I've also checked and double checked to make sure all connections are secure, and even swapped interconnects. With source and interconnects ruled out, that leaves either the amp or preamp.

I don't have another amp or preamp to slot in for the purpose of ruling one or the other out, but I do have a Marantz PM6004 integrated in my secondary system. Can I run my preamplifier into a source input on the integrated, thereby using it as an amplifier? Or, could I possibly use the integrated as a standalone preamp by connecting my amp to the recorder out jacks? (Sorry if these are silly questions.)

If using the integrated won't work, does anyone have a guess as to what might be causing my weak left channel?

My amp is an Odyssey Khartago Extreme, and my pre is a Decware CSP2+.

Thanks for your help.
rischa

Showing 5 responses by rischa

Jmcgrogan2,
Thanks for the guidance. I had a feeling this would be the case, but was hoping I was wrong. I appreciate you saving me from blowing my system out!
Best,
A.R.
Tls49,
Brilliant! I'll try it. As for the output level controls, this was one of the first things I checked, along with the input level controls.

Best,
A.R.
Ejlif,
Did this. Spent a good hour swapping, rotating, and securing all interconnects yesterday. My wife thought I'd gone off the deep-end.
OK, did as Tls49 suggested; switched the L & R channels from pre to amp. The weak channel moved to the right! Guess I'll be packing up the Decware and sipping it off for repair. What a PITA.
Thanks for everyone's help on this.

Best,
Rischa
Forgot to mention in the first post that I also rotated the tubes, but it didn't help. I'll have to call Decware. Decware offers a lifetime warranty, which is great, but I was hoping not to have to ship it in for repairs as they charge 100 bucks to pack it up and ship it back once they've fixed it. All well, that's life I guess.