[jackman]

I'm not sure if this is the proper circle for this question but I'd appreciate some help.  I have a passive/active setup (monitors passive and bass units active with DCX24/96) and my Aragon 24K has two sets of preamp outputs.  It works perfectly but I'd like to try a different preamp that only has one set of preamp outputs.

How do I connect both sets of outputs needed to run my system?  The preamp I want to test is a Pioneer SX-A9J receiver.  It sounds great as a preamp but only has one set of preamp outs.  Can I use another output like a tape output to run my subs?  How  do other people run similar setups without two formal sets of outputs (I see lots of preamps with only one set of outputs)? 

I was looking at preamp upgrades but want to make sure I get one that has enough outputs to run my system.  Do I need one of these or can I use an existing output?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=091-510

Thanks!

Jack

[TomS]

A Y adapter should work just fine. I use an XLR pair on my balanced preamp to monoblock amps and a dcx.

[jackman]

Thanks Tom!

[rollo]

   As stated the ol "Y" adapter will work. You might want to try using only one output and connecting the passive subs off your main speakers. Radio Shack speaker wire [ no laughs] is wonderfull for bass reproduction. You may be surprised as to the result. Give it a try.


charles
SMA

[*Scotty*]

I used a pair of these to run my second sub to good effect before I added two more RCA outputs to preamp. I have a total of 4 outputs now and I have found that you can never have too many output jacks on a preamp.
 The only cavet here is that the preamp has to be able to drive the lower impedance it will see as a result having a pair of components connected to it. 
The preamp will see a total load impedance that is less than the component with the lowest input impedance of the pair.
 This is the same as adding two different value resistors together in parallel. The total resistive value of such a combination will always be less than the value of the smaller resistor.
Many preamps do just fine driving lower impedance loads while others stumble and do not sound as good.
 The total capacitive load seen by the preamp due to the additional cabling must also be taken into account.
Scotty

[doug s.]

scotty is correct re: impedance.  generally, s/s preamps don't have this issue; tube pre's can have higher impedances that might create a problem.  normal rule of thumb is that your pre's output impedance should be at least 10 times lower than the input impedance of your amp(s).  if you connect two amps rated 50kohm input impedance to a pre, the pre sees a 25kohm load...

doug s.