Conference hips::uk_audioo

32.0. "Can anyone configure clusters ?" by LARVAE::JEFFERY (Even the white bits are black) Tue Aug 30 1988 10:17

    I'm having a bit of a problem configuring a Local Area Amplifier
    Cluster, and any advice would be appreciated. At present, I have
    two separate systems:
    
        - Video system comprising HiFi Video, Technics Amp, and Tannoy
    Mercury Speakers.
    
        - Audio system comprising REGA deck, Yamaha A-320, Pioneer Cassette
    Deck, Kenwood Tuner, Phillips CD player, and Wharfedale Diamond Speakers
    
    This system has come about because I am sharing a house. Anyway,
    we would like to configure a permanent link between the two systems
    so we can get 4 speaker stereo for Videos, and record from
    Record/CD/Tape onto Video cassettes.
    
    The main problem is that the Yamaha provides only one line level
    output for the cassette deck, and any swapping around is a real
    pain. I don't really want to use the Technics for the record player,
    as I am not too fond of its' sound. I am also thinking of upgrading
    the amp soon, and it is unlikely to be one with two outputs.
    
    Does anyone know of a 'black box' that will provide two outputs
    from one, and still sound good ?
    
    Looking forward to any reply.
    
    Cheers.
    
    Mark.

    It seems like your Yamaha has no lack of inputs, only one output
    more would be needed; correct me if I'm wrong. Also, does the Technics
    have 2 tape connections?
    
    Try this: run the line out from the Yam to aux/tuner/cd or whatever
    line input is free on the Tech. Then the tape rec from the Tech
    to your cassettedeck. No real problems there, because there are rarely 
    ever bits of electronics between the line inputs and the tape rec out
    in such amplifiers like Nippon Mass Prod Cy. (un)Ltd. spews out.
    You can record from line even with the amp power off. Only thing
    is that you need to select the appropriate line in on the Tech while
    recording. 
    Hook up the VCR audio record  to tape2, and the VCR audio out to a Yam
    line in. All set.
    
    						- Rik -

    Hi Rik,
    
    You are a TRUE cluster engineer. I didn't believe it at first, but
    it works. The good news is that the Yamaha amp allows signals through
    when it is turned off.
    
    That means that when we listen to television, I don't  need to turn
    the amp on.
    
    Cheers.
    
    Mark.