Connecting Pioneer receiver to McIntosh preamp (asking for a friend, really)...

I happen to have all McIntosh vintage components and am very happy with the setup. A friend of mine wants to get into some McIntosh but slowly so he doesn't have to spend a ton all at once, that's the preamble to this question.

His goal is to use his setup for his turntable, CD and A/V system. So...since McIntosh does not make an integrated amp or receiver for an A/V setup, he's considering buying a Mc A/V preamp. I don't see why he can't use his current modern Pioneer Elite as an amp for the preamp. Is there any technical reason he can't? His goal is to eventually buy a 5 channel amp from Mc, but those are still a bit pricey for him.

And yes, he understands in theory the "sound" from the Pioneer will not be the same as if he used a Mc amp but it's a start isn't it? The sound can't be "worse" only possibly different with the Mc preamp I assume. I just figured I'd ask the genius bar for their thoughts for him. TIA!

 

Provided the jacks exist on both pieces to connect them, there is no issue with this approach.

What model McIntosh and Pioneer units are you referencing? I've googled pictures of the back panel of several Pioneer A/V receivers and don't see any multi-channel analog inputs direct to the power amp section to mate with the pre-amp outputs on the back of the McIntosh. Perhaps there is a way to connect them via HDMI, but that would not bypass the Pioneer pre-amp section.

 

I actually feel more of "The McIntosh sound" comes from the preamp then the amp.

 

I think a big part of the sound comes from the autoformer transformers.

What is the McIntosh output autoformer®?
The McIntosh Output Autoformer is a special transformer that is designed and manufactured in-house by McIntosh. This allows any speaker type to be used with a McIntosh amplifier and have all of the power that the amp is designed to deliver. All other amplifier designs will not have even power with differing speaker designs. McIntosh amplifiers with the output autoformer® will deliver ‘All the Power You Pay For’ regardless of speaker type chosen.

 

No reason why not. It's a start.

 

turns out - won't work. you can use the pioneer as a preamp but not an amp, just got back from the audio expert place. told my friend to suck it up and spend $8k on a used 5 channel amp and a used A/V controller...