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Audio Refinement Complete 'a' Integrated preouts

I’m an admitted newbie with a couple questions regarding my Audio Refinement Complete a integrated amplifier. First with the really amateur question: The ARC has ‘preout’ inputs so I’d like to purchase a power amp to run through it. Regarding the hook up- The ARC has a right and left inputs, so will I just hook the right and left channels from the power amp into the corresponding ARC R/L inputs?

My other question is much more subjective: Has anyone used a separate power amp through an ARC integrated? I don’t expect the ARC to give a good quality separate preamp a run for its money, but was the sound decent enough to not offend your ears? Input from others that have used the preout inputs on another integrated amp would be appreciated as well. For what it's worth the Odyssey Stratos is on the short list for this duty.

Thank you
brettio
brettio OP
3 posts
 
Thank you Mofimadness, your response really helped clarify things (embarrassingly I completely forgot about the speaker cable connection!).

One last question, can I use two mono amps each plugged into the integrateds corresponding R/L preout output?
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
Yes, mono amps are the same as a stereo amp, just two boxes instead of one. A stereo amp, of course will have a separate right and left input, (2 total) where a mono amp will have just one.

Remember to keep all the inputs and outputs to the correct right or left channel/speaker.
celtic66
990 posts
 
Mofimadness is absolutely correct with his/her information and instructions. This is one of my favorite integrated amps, the preamp section may surprise you with its quality.

One assumes you've already run the amp as is and now are seeking more power to gain a more authoritative sound. Good luck with your endeavors.
brettio OP
3 posts
 
That's great to hear about this particular preamp section Celtic66 as I was going into this absoultely blind (deaf?). And you're absolutely correct, I really enjoy the ARC (except for its start up 'Thump'), but I'd like to feed my speakers (Tekton Lore S's) some more power just to hear how they'll sound.

I plan to eventually go to separates in my main set up and use the ARC in a second system.

I really appreciate the help.
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
Just make sure the outputs are "pre" outs and not "tape" outs. Pre outs are variable with the volume control while the tape outputs are line outs set at full volume.

I'm doing the same thing now with a Cairn integrated amp. It has two sets of "pre outs." I hook them up to a pair of Dared VP-20 tube mono amps. I switch the speaker wires back and forth between the Cairn speaker outs and the Dared speaker outs depending on which amp I want to use.

I did own an Audio Refinement Complete a few years ago. I really liked that amp.
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