Heos Link HS2 as preamp

[chaumai]

Hi everyone,

 

I own a Heos Link HS2 and is currently plugged into a Cambridge Audio  340A SE Integrated amplifier.  I'm happy with the current setup but,  there is currently a Rotel RB-1552 Mk II 2 channel Power Amp on sale in the classifieds and am wondering if:

 

a) The Heos Link HS2 can actually be used as a preamp?  It has an option for Variable (Analog Output Only) to control volume from the Heos App/Unit

b) The sound quality is good

c) Any other issues would arise from using this streamer as a preamp.

 

Just wondering if anyone can vouch for the quality the Heos Link HS2 as a preamp?   

 

Thanks

 

[Fakeplastic]

I run my heos hs2 as a streamer with a Digial coax out through a chord Hugo 2.  When I first set it up, the default was a variable volume out (preamp) and it sounded so bad I felt like throwing it through a wall and castrating the salesman who sold it to me. 

Then I set the volume output to fixed and it sounded 1000 times better and jail time for me was averted. 

I haven't tried the rca preamp outs, but I suspect it's not very good. Did you buy the amp and try it? I'd be interested to know. 

[EnochRoot]

I had a Heos Link attached to a Cambridge CXA80. The sound was ordinary, not great but maybe ok for the price. The Heos application though is awful, just dreadful, and I frequently had issues using the Heos as a pre-amp.

 

A Bluesound Node would be a significant improvement if you can afford the upgrade.

[chaumai]

Yeah I've scrapped the idea.  Will just get the PowerNode instead.