Do I need the dedicated control amp?

[BlimeyCharlie]

Hello I've recently purchased a Technics SE-A800S Power Amp from a shop. Second-hand and seems a good bit of kit.

My problem is it seems I need the dedicated control amp, the SU-C800, so I can then plug turntable in etc.
As it stands at the moment I can only plug an iPhone/iPod in to the power amp and control volume only.

Hope this makes sense?
My question is, can I use any other make of control amp or do I need the dedicated Technics unit? Is this a gimmick or used widely?

Sorry if i have asked a stupid question, but I've been a bit stupid, although it was a good price..

Thanks in advance.

Edited by BlimeyCharlie on Thursday 24th July 21:45

[JimbobVFR]

There's nothing magical about a Poweramp. Any preamp or amp with pre outs will suffice.

From memory these weren't the best power amps at the time and pre-amps do tend to hold value quite well so you may find a 2nd hand integrated amp might be better value.

[BlimeyCharlie]

Thanks for the above info.
It is a lot better (powerful) than the other amps I have and a bit of a bargain with the speakers I got at the same time.

I'll keep my eye open for the right pre-amp/control amp that has the right connector so I can use other bits of kit I've got.
The amp I've bought is still fetching a fair bit on ebay etc but these things crop up here and there cheap.

[JimbobVFR]

What other amps do you have? If they preout sockets or removable preout links on the back you could use one of your amps as a preamp.

[BlimeyCharlie]

JimbobVFR said:

What other amps do you have? If they preout sockets or removable preout links on the back you could use one of your amps as a preamp.

Yes good idea I've looked at one which is a Sony and also have a Cambridge Audio one still got to check that. Thanks for info.