Jadis Orchestra Ref + Pre-Amp?


Wondering if it is possible to use the JOR as a power amp, with a Pre-Amp and CD feeding in, and whether this would help with the avoidance of clipping - I have no background in electronics, so I'm unsure whether the pre-amplifier boosts the signal in a meaningful way, and if so whether this translates to an easier time for the JOR - the issue at the moment is with solo piano music, where there are large changes in dynamics and a crash of chords brings distortion, which sounds like clipping, albeit 'soft' clipping; needless to add turning down the volume prevents this problem, but then I'm listening at a lower volume level than I've been accustomed. I was warned about the amp being a bit underpowered for the difficult load my speakers represent (Wilson Cubs) - distortion never occurred with a previous, more powerful, ARC amp (D125). I still have an ARC SP9MkIII pre-amp.

If the above is possible, would it be preferable to run the JOR with the gain wide open, and use the pre-amp to attenuate volume, or the other way around?

Thanks for your anticipated help.
Rob.
bezimienny

Showing 1 response by bhoage

Hi Bezimienny. While I haven't tried the JOR I have an integrated with a passive pre section and I have tried exactly what you mention above. Open the volume control full, connect a pre in into whatever input of your choice on the integrated, (obviously make sure you've selected that "source" on the JOR), and voila. I started with the volume off on the pre because I wasn't exactly sure what was going to happen. Anyway, it worked for me. Don't know if it will work for you, caveat emptor, don't try this at home, blah, blah, blah :-)

I was just goofing around and didn't really evaluate the sonic benefits however.

Finally, I have been told that you run the integrated full open and the pre controls volume, not the other way around. If you can borrow a pre to try, just be careful and why not give it a whirl. That's my 2 cents.