Moreplay, Crack and Attenuator DB Question

[anthonynchandler]

Greetings,
I am in the process of beginning to coat the metal plate of my recently delivered Moreplay, and am trying to consider how I can include it in the signal chain of my current gear. From what I understand the Moreplay has two separate outputs (why 2 I do not understand, really), but the signal from the second output would be too great to simply connect it to the Crack. Correct? This would explain why I cannot connect the Crack to my Audiolab 6000A Preamp output, but can connect it to my Peachtree Audio Nova's "home theatre out".

I saw Paul's explanation of a possible rewire to bypass the load of the preamp thereby creating a "tape out" option. My English teacher/artist brain struggles a bit with the alternative wiring, so I am wondering if I could more easily use something like a Harrison Labs in line attenuator from the second output to the Crack's rca inputs?   If so, then which db level (-3, -6 or -12db) is best for the Crack?

I figure the attenuator might be the easiest, non-permanent option, especially as I will eventually add the Moreplay Upgrade and god knows how that would change the wiring, but I may be wrong.

Thoughts? Thanks so much!

[Paul Birkeland]

why 2 I do not understand, really

It's not that unusual to find setups where one output feeds a power amplifier and the other output feeds a powered subwoofer.  The series resistance between the outputs will allow one of the outputs to drive long cables going to a subwoofer without that cable capacitance being so influential on the other output.

but the signal from the second output would be too great to simply connect it to the Crack. Correct? This would explain why I cannot connect the Crack to my Audiolab 6000A Preamp output, but can connect it to my Peachtree Audio Nova's "home theatre out".

Yes, the Crack has plenty of gain on its own and doesn't really benefit from more. 

I saw Paul's explanation of a possible rewire to bypass the load of the preamp thereby creating a "tape out" option. My English teacher/artist brain struggles a bit with the alternative wiring, so I am wondering if I could more easily use something like a Harrison Labs in line attenuator from the second output to the Crack's rca inputs?   If so, then which db level (-3, -6 or -12db) is best for the Crack?

You could try the -12dB pads. 

I figure the attenuator might be the easiest, non-permanent option, especially as I will eventually add the Moreplay Upgrade and god knows how that would change the wiring, but I may be wrong.

This is a wise precaution.  The tape output is just taken of the four center connections on the selector switch, which are relatively self explanatory by way of wire color coding.

-PB

[anthonynchandler]

Paul,
Ahhh that makes sense for the second output.
I will think about your reply and decide as I build the Moreplay over many moons. The top plate and is going to be painted in John Deere green!

The kits you provide are not only cool personal pieces, but I have valued building my soldering skills and understanding of audio circuits with each build or upgrade. 



Thanks for the quick reply!