• Use both inputs on stereo amp?

    From Tobiah@2:221/10 to All on Fri Dec 26 07:09:52 2025
    From: Tobiah <toby@tobiah.org>

    I have a Denon POA-220 stereo amplifier that I use
    to monitor an audio interface when running Windows.
    This interface does not work under Linux, But I have
    a Scarlet 2i2 that does. I tried using a Radio Shack
    stereo switch to change the amplifier source between
    the two interfaces, but it introduced noise.

    So I noticed that the amp has two RCA inputs for each
    channel:

    https://tinyurl.com/mrxzrwuf

    one marked "CD" and the other "NORMAL". I'm tempted
    to use these to connect both interfaces at once, but
    something tells me that may not be a great idea. There
    are no input switches on the amp. The only controls
    are power, and speaker A/B switches.

    My main interface is a Presonus 1810, with the older
    USB connection. It seems that the USB-C version is
    supported by Linux, but I can't get my version to work,
    although I do see some Alsa devices (but not the outputs)
    in the mixer.


    Toby

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Tobiah@2:221/10 to Tobiah on Fri Dec 26 07:43:40 2025
    From: Tobiah <toby@tobiah.org>

    It's actually a POA-2200. I found a block diagram:

    https://imgur.com/a/ivhcMCR

    Not sure why the low-pass filter on the CD input.
    Other than that, using both inputs would be like
    using a 'Y' cable, which I understand is a no-no.

    Maybe the filter gives enough isolation that it
    would still be possible? Or perhaps there is more
    circuitry involved that does not show up on this
    diagram that would make it ok.

    I'm also not sure how to set the input level knob.
    I just have them at half-way right now. If it controls
    gain, I would think that the minimum level that gives
    me the output I need would be best.

    I'm curious though, if I were using this amp with
    a CD player, how would I control the volume? As I
    said, there is only power and speaker A/B on the front.
    Surely they don't expect one to reach around the back
    and adjust both gain knobs.



    Toby

    On 12/26/25 07:09, Tobiah wrote:
    I have a Denon POA-220 stereo amplifier that I use
    to monitor an audio interface when running Windows.
    This interface does not work under Linux, But I have
    a Scarlet 2i2 that does.  I tried using a Radio Shack
    stereo switch to change the amplifier source between
    the two interfaces, but it introduced noise.

    So I noticed that the amp has two RCA inputs for each
    channel:

      https://tinyurl.com/mrxzrwuf
    one marked "CD" and the other "NORMAL".  I'm tempted
    to use these to connect both interfaces at once, but
    something tells me that may not be a great idea.  There
    are no input switches on the amp.  The only controls
    are power, and speaker A/B switches.

    My main interface is a Presonus 1810, with the older
    USB connection.  It seems that the USB-C version is
    supported by Linux, but I can't get my version to work,
    although I do see some Alsa devices (but not the outputs)
    in the mixer.


    Toby

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From John Williamson@2:221/10 to Tobiah on Fri Dec 26 17:42:28 2025
    From: John Williamson <johnwilliamson@btinternet.com>

    On 26/12/2025 15:43, Tobiah wrote:
    It's actually a POA-2200. I found a block diagram:

    https://imgur.com/a/ivhcMCR

    Interesting.Imgur won't let me see that as I am in the UK. I suspect
    that our online safety law has come into play. Amplifier porn. ;-0

    Not sure why the low-pass filter on the CD input.
    Other than that, using both inputs would be like
    using a 'Y' cable, which I understand is a no-no.

    I'd expect a low cut filter on the normal input to reduce rumble.

    The block diagram in the service manual shows a hi cut filter on the CD
    input.

    (a 7.5 k Ohm resistor in series with a 270 pf capacitor which is in
    parallel with a 50 K Ohm potentiometer.

    A quick check shows it may be designed to stop any clock frequency
    leakage from the DAC, as the -3dB point is above 78 kHz.




    --
    Tciao for Now!

    John.

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Tobiah@2:221/10 to All on Fri Dec 26 10:04:38 2025
    From: Tobiah <toby@tobiah.org>

    Interesting.Imgur won't let me see that as I am in the UK. I suspect
    that our online safety law has come into play. Amplifier porn. ;-0


    Probably the URL shortening service. I guess I should stop
    using those.

    https://imgur.com/a/denon-poa-2200-block-diagram-ivhcMCR


    Toby

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Tobiah@2:221/10 to All on Fri Dec 26 10:06:26 2025
    From: Tobiah <toby@tobiah.org>

    I'm curious though, if I were using this amp with
    a CD player, how would I control the volume?  As I
    said, there is only power and speaker A/B on the front.
    Surely they don't expect one to reach around the back
    and adjust both gain knobs.

    I guess this is a feature. The unit is dedicated to
    amplifying line level signals, and a separate preamp
    is used if there is no volume control on the signal
    source.


    Toby

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From John Williamson@2:221/10 to Tobiah on Fri Dec 26 19:46:58 2025
    From: John Williamson <johnwilliamson@btinternet.com>

    On 26/12/2025 18:04, Tobiah wrote:

    Interesting.Imgur won't let me see that as I am in the UK. I suspect
    that our online safety law has come into play. Amplifier porn. ;-0


    Probably the URL shortening service. I guess I should stop
    using those.

    https://imgur.com/a/denon-poa-2200-block-diagram-ivhcMCR


    Toby

    Imgur put a message up saying "This material is not available in your area"

    I got the service manual pdf file off the maker's website.

    --
    Tciao for Now!

    John.

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Geoff@2:221/10 to Tobiah on Tue Dec 30 13:36:36 2025
    From: Geoff <geoff@nospamgeoffwood.org>

    On 27/12/2025 4:43 am, Tobiah wrote:
    It's actually a POA-2200.  I found a block diagram:

      https://imgur.com/a/ivhcMCR

    Not sure why the low-pass filter on the CD input.
    Other than that, using both inputs would be like
    using a 'Y' cable, which I understand is a no-no.

    Maybe the filter gives enough isolation that it
    would still be possible?  Or perhaps there is more
    circuitry involved that does not show up on this
    diagram that would make it ok.

    I'm also not sure how to set the input level knob.
    I just have them at half-way right now.  If it controls
    gain, I would think that the minimum level that gives
    me the output I need would be best.

    I'm curious though, if I were using this amp with
    a CD player, how would I control the volume?  As I
    said, there is only power and speaker A/B on the front.
    Surely they don't expect one to reach around the back
    and adjust both gain knobs.



    Toby

    On 12/26/25 07:09, Tobiah wrote:
    I have a Denon POA-220 stereo amplifier that I use
    to monitor an audio interface when running Windows.
    This interface does not work under Linux, But I have
    a Scarlet 2i2 that does.  I tried using a Radio Shack
    stereo switch to change the amplifier source between
    the two interfaces, but it introduced noise.

    So I noticed that the amp has two RCA inputs for each
    channel:

       https://tinyurl.com/mrxzrwuf
    one marked "CD" and the other "NORMAL".  I'm tempted
    to use these to connect both interfaces at once, but
    something tells me that may not be a great idea.  There
    are no input switches on the amp.  The only controls
    are power, and speaker A/B switches.

    My main interface is a Presonus 1810, with the older
    USB connection.  It seems that the USB-C version is
    supported by Linux, but I can't get my version to work,
    although I do see some Alsa devices (but not the outputs)
    in the mixer.


    Toby


    Curious as to how a simple mechanical switch (slide ?) could 'introduce
    noise'. Unless close to a powerful electro-magnetic field such as an
    external power supply, or close mains cabling.

    --
    geoff

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Geoff@2:221/10 to John Williamson on Tue Dec 30 13:38:03 2025
    From: Geoff <geoff@nospamgeoffwood.org>

    On 27/12/2025 6:42 am, John Williamson wrote:
    On 26/12/2025 15:43, Tobiah wrote:
    It's actually a POA-2200.  I found a block diagram:

      https://imgur.com/a/ivhcMCR

    Interesting.Imgur won't let me see that as I am in the UK. I suspect
    that our online safety law has come into play. Amplifier porn. ;-0

    Not sure why the low-pass filter on the CD input.
    Other than that, using both inputs would be like
    using a 'Y' cable, which I understand is a no-no.

    I'd expect a low cut filter on the normal input to reduce rumble.

    The block diagram in the service manual shows a hi cut filter on the CD input.

    (a 7.5 k Ohm resistor in series with a 270 pf capacitor which is in
    parallel with a 50 K Ohm potentiometer.

    A quick check shows it may be designed to stop any clock frequency
    leakage from the DAC, as the -3dB point is above 78 kHz.

    Surely any but the cheapest nastiest CD player in the world would
    address that itself !
    --
    geoff

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)
  • From Liz Tuddenham@2:221/10 to Geoff on Tue Dec 30 10:05:42 2025
    From: Liz Tuddenham <liz@poppyrecords.invalid.invalid>

    Geoff <geoff@nospamgeoffwood.org> wrote:

    [...]
    Curious as to how a simple mechanical switch (slide ?) could 'introduce noise'. Unless close to a powerful electro-magnetic field such as an external power supply, or close mains cabling.


    If there is any DC on the circuit, any change in contact resistance will
    cause a changing voltage. "Noisy pots" are often caused by leaking electrolytic capacitors allowing DC onto the resistance element.

    --
    ~ Liz Tuddenham ~
    (Remove the ".invalid"s and add ".co.uk" to reply)
    www.poppyrecords.co.uk

    ---
    * Origin: rbb sglnx - the fidonet nntp junction (2:221/10)