2. amps-preamps
  3. 1365392438

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
rischa OP
62 posts
 
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
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Rischa, It could be something as simple as one of the tubes. The front signal tube (directly behind the volume control) is common to both channels, but the next two could be swapped (unit turned off and some time to cool) since the left one is left channel and right one is right channel. Again, if the problem moves, it's that left channel tube. The rectifier tube is also common to both channels.

You will need to call Decware to return unit for service, so why not talk with them.
jjrenman
279 posts
 
If the problem is in the preamp and if the difference in level between the two channels gets worse the lower you go I'd suspect that your volume pot is not tracking very evenly at low levels.
rischa OP
62 posts
 
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.
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