Crack as Preamp?

[lextek]

Still loving my Crack.  Was wondering if a Crack could be used as a preamp or be converted to one? 

[Paul Birkeland]

Yes, all you need to do the conversion is a 1/4" TRS to RCA cable, or a similar adapater.

-PB

[Deluk]

Slightly agent provocateur here but used as a preamp would it drive a pair of Quad II's? My Crack is a few weeks away as yet but I do have the Quads.

[Paul Birkeland]

Slightly agent provocateur here but used as a preamp would it drive a pair of Quad II's? My Crack is a few weeks away as yet but I do have the Quads.

Yeah, sure that would work.  I'd put a pair of Harrison labs -12dB attenuators in front of the Quads.

-PB

[Deluk]

Thanks for that.
Harrison not a name that comes up here in the UK, but I've found these, which are switchable 10/15/20db. Being able to do this could be useful. I have Klipsch Quartets which don't need the volume control up too far!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stageline-21-2840-Passive-Level-Attenuator/dp/B0057G44WM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CK3CPCDNH91KAKFKHAX
The other make is Rothwell which have 10 and 20db versions.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rothwell-RCA-In-Line-Attenuators/dp/B00B7383F8/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y
Being nearly twice the price for a fixed attenuation Rothwell, makes the Stageline ones look to be much better value.
Any comments

[Paul Birkeland]

Yeah, your amplifiers are overly powerful/sensitive for such high efficiency speakers, so -20dB of attenuation might be a better idea.

-PB

[Deluk]

Thanks. The Quad II's are only 15 watts each so not overtly beefy but then Valve watts always do seem more powerful. Currently using a Luxman L30 and that's only 2 x 30 watts. Neither the Quads or the Luxman need a delicate touch on the volume control but both can supply the Quartets more than I or my neighbours need...... 

[Paul Birkeland]

Yeah, you are likely in the 1-2 Watt power level for full listening level.  With a 15+ Watt amp with .7V input sensitivity, you'll need a significant gain reduction from your preamp for a comfortable listening level (or pads at the input of the amps).

-PB