McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

"Colin B." wrote in message
news:40ca6501_2@news....
Harry Muscle wrote:

One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to
get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look
at?



I just recently took into possession from a relative a Harmon Kardon 330A
receiver from the mid-70's. When working, this is one of the sweetest
little receivers ever made. Unfortunately, the one I inherited has problems
that must be solved before it is usuable. However, I did note that it has
preamps out and amp in jacks on the back, normally jumpered. This is almost
unheard of in today's lesser expensive receivers.

This can be found in decent condition on the used market for about $100-125.
They have a good tuner front end, and excellent electronics. You might want
to look for one as an answer to your dilemma/budget.

Ultimately, you're running into the same problem. Separate components are
premium components. Separate amp/preamp/tuner systems usually start in the
four digit range, whereas a receiver with line-outs is half of that, and
a basic receiver is maybe a quarter of that. If you get a preamp/tuner or
separate pieces, just so you can use you're existing amp, then you're
going
to spend substantially more than you would if you got a complete receiver
and just used that. On the other hand, you'll have better components, not
to mention easier to change. Eventually you might want to replace that
amp,
and it'll be a simple purchase.

If you want to do this on the cheap, get a reciever. If you want to be
efficient in your use of 'stuff,' get a receiver with pre-out, or a
pre/tuner
in some form or another. If you want to enter the high end, get a pream
and tuner, and then start planning your next purchase. And your next, and
your next, and...

Good and accurate advice, IMO.

"Colin B." wrote in message
news:40ca6501_2@news....
Harry Muscle wrote:

One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to
get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look
at?



I just recently took into possession from a relative a Harmon Kardon 330A
receiver from the mid-70's. When working, this is one of the sweetest
little receivers ever made. Unfortunately, the one I inherited has problems
that must be solved before it is usuable. However, I did note that it has
preamps out and amp in jacks on the back, normally jumpered. This is almost
unheard of in today's lesser expensive receivers.

This can be found in decent condition on the used market for about $100-125.
They have a good tuner front end, and excellent electronics. You might want
to look for one as an answer to your dilemma/budget.

Ultimately, you're running into the same problem. Separate components are
premium components. Separate amp/preamp/tuner systems usually start in the
four digit range, whereas a receiver with line-outs is half of that, and
a basic receiver is maybe a quarter of that. If you get a preamp/tuner or
separate pieces, just so you can use you're existing amp, then you're
going
to spend substantially more than you would if you got a complete receiver
and just used that. On the other hand, you'll have better components, not
to mention easier to change. Eventually you might want to replace that
amp,
and it'll be a simple purchase.

If you want to do this on the cheap, get a reciever. If you want to be
efficient in your use of 'stuff,' get a receiver with pre-out, or a
pre/tuner
in some form or another. If you want to enter the high end, get a pream
and tuner, and then start planning your next purchase. And your next, and
your next, and...

Good and accurate advice, IMO.

"Colin B." wrote in message
news:40ca6501_2@news....
Harry Muscle wrote:

One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to
get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look
at?



I just recently took into possession from a relative a Harmon Kardon 330A
receiver from the mid-70's. When working, this is one of the sweetest
little receivers ever made. Unfortunately, the one I inherited has problems
that must be solved before it is usuable. However, I did note that it has
preamps out and amp in jacks on the back, normally jumpered. This is almost
unheard of in today's lesser expensive receivers.

This can be found in decent condition on the used market for about $100-125.
They have a good tuner front end, and excellent electronics. You might want
to look for one as an answer to your dilemma/budget.

Ultimately, you're running into the same problem. Separate components are
premium components. Separate amp/preamp/tuner systems usually start in the
four digit range, whereas a receiver with line-outs is half of that, and
a basic receiver is maybe a quarter of that. If you get a preamp/tuner or
separate pieces, just so you can use you're existing amp, then you're
going
to spend substantially more than you would if you got a complete receiver
and just used that. On the other hand, you'll have better components, not
to mention easier to change. Eventually you might want to replace that
amp,
and it'll be a simple purchase.

If you want to do this on the cheap, get a reciever. If you want to be
efficient in your use of 'stuff,' get a receiver with pre-out, or a
pre/tuner
in some form or another. If you want to enter the high end, get a pream
and tuner, and then start planning your next purchase. And your next, and
your next, and...

Good and accurate advice, IMO.

Harry Muscle wrote:
"Harry Lavo" wrote in message
news:3Nlyc.28192$HG.10073@attbi_s53...

"Harry Muscle" wrote in message
...

"Kalman Rubinson" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 11 Jun 2004 10:28:33 -0400, "Harry Muscle"
wrote:


I check out some of the suggestions that I received in this thread,

however,

it looks like all of the cheaper priced receivers don't give you a

line

level out (or preamp out) and I really would like to continue using

my

amp.

The very cheap ones give you very little. You might be better off
with a used decent one.


Anyway, just curious, is it possible to use the headphone jack as a

line

level out? Sorry if this is a silly question, I'm sort of new to

this,

and

this idea popped into my head.

It will work but you have to wonder if the quality of the headphone
driver would justify using your amp. Cheap is cheap.

Kal


Makes sense, I was also wondering about the Tape and VCR out. Most of

the

receivers in my price range have one or both of these outputs. I'm

guessing

that everything that gets send to the speakers would get send to these
outputs so you can tape it, meaning it would be a perfect out. However,
does anyone know if the volume on Tape and VCR outputs changes when you
increase or decrease the volume or does it stay constant all the time?

Thanks,
Harry


No, unfortunately the tape and VCR outputs are fixed in volume regardless

of

the volumn control.

Given that you don't want to give up the amp, then a used NAD (or Adcom as
suggested, although I personally don't think they sound nearly as good)
might be the way to go. They are not too expensive on eBay and are pretty
regularly available.





One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look at?

Thanks,
Harry


Since you have an amp and you want to top it off with a tuner and
pre-amp, or some combination of the 2, you apparently want a quality
setup for your sound system, so why limit yourself to $100 for each
component? Your best bet is to get a good used pre-amp and a good tuner.
I have never even seen a tuner/pre-amp, but I guess they do exist.

A good site to to visit (before going on EBay) to help you find a good
tuner is;

http://fmtunerinfo.com/

As for a good pre-amp, I couldn't really tell you.

good luck,

CD

Harry Muscle wrote:
"Harry Lavo" wrote in message
news:3Nlyc.28192$HG.10073@attbi_s53...

"Harry Muscle" wrote in message
...

"Kalman Rubinson" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 11 Jun 2004 10:28:33 -0400, "Harry Muscle"
wrote:


I check out some of the suggestions that I received in this thread,

however,

it looks like all of the cheaper priced receivers don't give you a

line

level out (or preamp out) and I really would like to continue using

my

amp.

The very cheap ones give you very little. You might be better off
with a used decent one.


Anyway, just curious, is it possible to use the headphone jack as a

line

level out? Sorry if this is a silly question, I'm sort of new to

this,

and

this idea popped into my head.

It will work but you have to wonder if the quality of the headphone
driver would justify using your amp. Cheap is cheap.

Kal


Makes sense, I was also wondering about the Tape and VCR out. Most of

the

receivers in my price range have one or both of these outputs. I'm

guessing

that everything that gets send to the speakers would get send to these
outputs so you can tape it, meaning it would be a perfect out. However,
does anyone know if the volume on Tape and VCR outputs changes when you
increase or decrease the volume or does it stay constant all the time?

Thanks,
Harry


No, unfortunately the tape and VCR outputs are fixed in volume regardless

of

the volumn control.

Given that you don't want to give up the amp, then a used NAD (or Adcom as
suggested, although I personally don't think they sound nearly as good)
might be the way to go. They are not too expensive on eBay and are pretty
regularly available.





One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look at?

Thanks,
Harry


Since you have an amp and you want to top it off with a tuner and
pre-amp, or some combination of the 2, you apparently want a quality
setup for your sound system, so why limit yourself to $100 for each
component? Your best bet is to get a good used pre-amp and a good tuner.
I have never even seen a tuner/pre-amp, but I guess they do exist.

A good site to to visit (before going on EBay) to help you find a good
tuner is;

http://fmtunerinfo.com/

As for a good pre-amp, I couldn't really tell you.

good luck,

CD

Harry Muscle wrote:
"Harry Lavo" wrote in message
news:3Nlyc.28192$HG.10073@attbi_s53...

"Harry Muscle" wrote in message
...

"Kalman Rubinson" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 11 Jun 2004 10:28:33 -0400, "Harry Muscle"
wrote:


I check out some of the suggestions that I received in this thread,

however,

it looks like all of the cheaper priced receivers don't give you a

line

level out (or preamp out) and I really would like to continue using

my

amp.

The very cheap ones give you very little. You might be better off
with a used decent one.


Anyway, just curious, is it possible to use the headphone jack as a

line

level out? Sorry if this is a silly question, I'm sort of new to

this,

and

this idea popped into my head.

It will work but you have to wonder if the quality of the headphone
driver would justify using your amp. Cheap is cheap.

Kal


Makes sense, I was also wondering about the Tape and VCR out. Most of

the

receivers in my price range have one or both of these outputs. I'm

guessing

that everything that gets send to the speakers would get send to these
outputs so you can tape it, meaning it would be a perfect out. However,
does anyone know if the volume on Tape and VCR outputs changes when you
increase or decrease the volume or does it stay constant all the time?

Thanks,
Harry


No, unfortunately the tape and VCR outputs are fixed in volume regardless

of

the volumn control.

Given that you don't want to give up the amp, then a used NAD (or Adcom as
suggested, although I personally don't think they sound nearly as good)
might be the way to go. They are not too expensive on eBay and are pretty
regularly available.





One last quick question before I go the "used" way. Is it possible to get a
separate new tuner and new preamp, both with a remote, for under $100US
each? Or am I dreaming? If it is possible, which brands should I look at?

Thanks,
Harry


Since you have an amp and you want to top it off with a tuner and
pre-amp, or some combination of the 2, you apparently want a quality
setup for your sound system, so why limit yourself to $100 for each
component? Your best bet is to get a good used pre-amp and a good tuner.
I have never even seen a tuner/pre-amp, but I guess they do exist.

A good site to to visit (before going on EBay) to help you find a good
tuner is;

http://fmtunerinfo.com/

As for a good pre-amp, I couldn't really tell you.

good luck,

CD

(Ted Azito) wrote in message . com...
McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

None of the above have the remote control feature that the OP wants.

As another poster suggested, I'd buy a new, low-priced receiver with
remote. Then I'd sell the existing amp (which would push the overall
cost down) and let the new receiver power my speakers.

(Ted Azito) wrote in message . com...
McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

None of the above have the remote control feature that the OP wants.

As another poster suggested, I'd buy a new, low-priced receiver with
remote. Then I'd sell the existing amp (which would push the overall
cost down) and let the new receiver power my speakers.

(Ted Azito) wrote in message . com...
McIntosh made a number of Tuner Preamps, such as the MX110.
Alternatively, some of the early Marantz solid state receivers,
designed by Sid "Secret Schmoo" Smith and Dick Sequerra, were noted
for great sound but frequent output section failures. Why not remove
the power amp section and use it as a tuner preamp? I doubt the power
supply would put out too much voltage without the power amp section,
but you could always tweak to suit if necessary.

None of the above have the remote control feature that the OP wants.

As another poster suggested, I'd buy a new, low-priced receiver with
remote. Then I'd sell the existing amp (which would push the overall
cost down) and let the new receiver power my speakers.