Here's the problem: My friend's pub uses a crappy receiver to power their audio system, so whenever they try to turn it up to a level that an elderly patron might complain about, the thing just shuts off. I told him we could add an amp (I'm thinking a Crown XLS402), but the catch is that the receiver has no pre-outs.

Is it a stupid idea to use the headphone output in place of a proper pre-out connection?

If it is a stupid idea, is there a simple pre-amp I could hook up to the receiver's line-out - just something to act as a volume control?

Much thanks for any input.

Here's the problem: My friend's pub uses a crappy receiver to power their audio system, so whenever they try to turn it up to a level that an elderly patron might complain about, the thing just shuts off. I told him we could add an amp (I'm thinking a Crown XLS402), but the catch is that the receiver has no pre-outs.

Is it a stupid idea to use the headphone output in place of a proper pre-out connection?

If it is a stupid idea, is there a simple pre-amp I could hook up to the receiver's line-out - just something to act as a volume control?

Much thanks for any input.The headphone out is amplified. It is probably not a good idea to use it for this, although there may be a low volume setting on the receiver that would feed a low enough level signal for it to not be an issue. This would then require an amp with its own volume control; like an integrated amp. And if you were going to buy that, you might as well scrap the receiver.

A speaker-level to line-level converter is what you need. Do a search. They are available commonly and inexpensively. Car stereo shops sell them.

That makes much more sense. Thanks!:)

As long as there is a volume control that adjusts the output from the headphone jack there should be no problem using it to drive an amp via the line in jacks. Most preamps are able to output several volts, that is way more than .707V line level. If this worries you then a simple divider network can be used to drop the output voltage, or a L pad if you want a variable control.

How good it sounds (if that matters) depends on the quality of the built in headphone amp. It may be better, worse, or the same.