This amp is strictly a power amp. I plan to get a mixer for it when I
find one at a decent price. I dont really need a mixer, since I am using
this for a home stereo, but a preamp appears to be needed, and even a
small 4 or 6 channel mixer can and will provide that preamp.
On the other hand, maybe my receiver output will have enough preamp
built into it (and I suspect it will). But I am aware that matching the
impedense should be done. I knew they made such things, but I was not
aware they could be purchased in the form of adaptors like these Shure
ones. That should be real helpful.
I found out that the inputs are balanced 600 ohm. I am not yet sure what
my receiver outputs in ohms. (Have to see if I can find a manual for
it). I did however read about some of the (same brand) mixers that are
often used with these amps, and they output 600 ohm balanced. Therefore
that is a perfect match. One of those mixers, is a 6 channel unit which
has 6 XLR connectors for microphones, but Two of those inputs also have
a 1/4" jack, called AUX, and there is a switch to use either type (the
XLR or the 1/4"). And there is also another switch to set either LOW or
HIGH gain. So I'm guessing that those 1/4" inputs can be used to connect
something with a high output, such as a receiver, or a DVD player or a
Tape Player, etc. And I can only assume that this input can also be used
for something like a guitar, when set to the HIGH gain position.
Until I get the XLR connectors I bought online, I cant do much, other
than just patch things together. But yesterday I did connect the
speakers and stick a direct probe into the XLR holes, connected to my
audio generator. It worked like a champ, but I did have to turn the
output up as high as it goes on that audio generator, which tells me
that it does surely need a preamp.
But even with just a direct test lead jammed in the connector, there was
no hum or unwanted noise, and I took it from 10cps all the way to
20Kcps, and it was clear as a bell. (At least from 30cps to 15Kcps). I
dont hear above 15Kcps, and at 10cps it just made the speaker cones move
and sound like a motor cycle engine.