[simonleemd]

Hi, I am a newbie. I really need your opinion on CDP DIRECT connection to amp- A year ago, I had my Ah4000 CDP(tube output stage,variable output control thru its remote) hooked up DIRECTLY no my NAD C370;YET it sounded too LOUD for late evening listening-despite I set the CDP volume to MIN.; now that I realized the NAD C370 has a variable control switch at the back of the unit(Pre-Out 2);reportedly this would allow the user to connect the CDP to the Pre-Out 2 and adjust the Input.;therefore,I'd be able to LOWER down the CDP-input for late evening listening.Do you think by doing so,there would be some sonic degradation ? My KEY questions here is :can a CDP with a tube output stage really work as a Tube preamp(sonically)?? If the answer is definitely positive;then I'd not be buying a tube preamp. your opinion and suggestions is highly appreciated and thanks in advance
Simon

[Tonto Yoder]

I'm not personally familiar with the C370, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. But the following review--
http://www.avdesign.com.au/prodnad/c370.html
describes the variable pre-OUT.  It seems to be for matching an external amp when bi-amping; it's NOT an INPUT (i.e. for your CDP or any other source).

BTW, I have the Ah! 4000 as well and have experimented with running it direct through the amp.  While I didn't have problems with volume adjustment (though I wasn't too concerned with low volume late-night sessions), I never felt it sounded as good as with a preamp (either a Melos SHA-1 or a BAT VK 3i [both tubed]).  Of course, things may sound different with your particular gear.

[simonleemd]

Thanks Tonto Yoder . You have just corrected my misconception about the Pre-Out 2 function of the NAD C370. Actually I got the same auditioning result as you have had- using a Preamp for the CDP connection sounding refined and better than the CDP hooked up DIRECTLY to the amp. My quest now is  yet to find a BETTER preamp (preferably tube) to replace the preamp section of my NAD C370. If you or anybody else has opinion and suggestion on this ;I'd be most eager to know and thanks in advance
Simon

[Tonto Yoder]

I thought you were talking about a basic power amp and not an integrated amp. If you're having trouble lowering CD volume, why not use the control on the amp??

I believe some NAD power amps (like the C270) DID have both fixed and variable inputs, which would solve the late night situation volume.

[simonleemd]

Hi,Tondo Yoder. When doing the CDP DIRECT connection to the NAD Integrated amp;the jumper is to be removed;hence the unit's volume control is OFF-functioning;and I can only control the CDP thru the variable volume control at the remote(I have to PRESET to MIN. before turn on the now the POWER amp). Thanks again
Simon