2. amps-preamps
  3. 136381-103897

Preamp with Dual Zone and Remote Independent Volume Control?

Hello y'all,
I am running simultaneously two pairs of very different full range large speakers (Magneplanar and vintage JBL) from the same source using the dual zone feature of my Denon receiver as a preamp.  I use two separate stereo power amplifiers, a NAD and a Yamaha, one for each set of speakers.  The Yamaha is driven from the Denon’s pre-out jacks and the NAD is driven from the Denon’s zone 2 outputs.
The Denon’s dual zone feature allows independent volume control of both sets of speakers from the same remote.  All this works and sounds actually much better than it sounds.... ;-)

I am looking to replace the Denon (which is used only as a preamp) by a proper preamp with similar dual zone control capability which again would allow to balance the two sets of speakers "on the fly" from a remote.
Is there a high quality (but not exotic) preamp, current or past model, which would do the trick?

Thanks!

Yoram
yoramguy1

Showing 5 responses by yoramguy1

yoramguy1 OP
68 posts
 
Imhiffan, thank you for your suggestion.  This approach would require Y splitters and double input selections which I prefer to avoid.
robr45, thank you for your suggestion as well.  Sound quality is the #1 consideration.  I am trying to chart a "succession path" for the Denon as it is the oldest component in the system (other than the JBL's), and also achieve a more optimal preamp solution (where the $$ and space are dedicated to preamp functionality).  I will certainly consider your home theater unit suggestion, although I would prefer a simpler audio-centric 2-zone preamp, if it exists...
yoramguy1 OP
68 posts
 
Hi kalali, thank you for your input!  Funny you should mention Blusound... I do have a Node 2 which I use to stream Spotify and which is feeding into one of the Denon's analog inputs, alongside a SACD player, a turntable, and an old Squeezebox Duet (for Pandora).  I am not sure how a Bluesound product would figure into this setup.Due to the different gains and sound characteristics of the two amp/speaker sub-systems, independent remote volume control is essential (think of it as mixing).  The issue with a passive preamp is that it can only attenuate, not boost volume, and I need the flexibility to attenuate or boost on the fly either sub-system. 
Not trying to be difficult... ;-)  there is a long personal story behind this crazy setup which is beyond the scope of this forum...  Thanks again!
yoramguy1 OP
68 posts
 
Never thought of that one!!  Having not used Tape Out outputs for decades, please remind me:  The Tape Out signal is a "pass-through" of the selected source signal, and is not affected by the volume control of the preamp? 
yoramguy1 OP
68 posts
 
... and a couple follow up questions:  Looking for example at a NAD NAD C 165BEE, would it be the 'Tape Out' or the 'Tape Monitor Out' jacks I would use to route the signal out from this one to the second preamp?And which source input jacks would you use on the second preamp (except of course phono) or does it matter?  Thanks!!
yoramguy1 OP
68 posts
 
imhififan, thank you! This was extremely helpful! I see a path forward...  
More to discover