Can I use a D'lite preamp section with another power source?

[docmh]

I'm thinking of getting a Brown Note D'lite 22 watt amp at a good price. If I want to get more power to it, can I separate the preamp from the amps power and use another bigger amp to drive it? Would it work OK? Is it worth it?
Appreciate any advice on the subject.

[Structo]

The D'lite has a Preamp out and a Power amp in, passive jacks on the back.

So in theory, yes you could take the signal from the preamp and feed it into a more powerful power amp.

A lot of D'lites are capable of running 6L6 tubes as well.

Some came with a output transformer with dual primary windings.
A 4K and 8K. The 8K is for 6V6 and the 4K is for 6L6.
There will be a switch on back to switch the output transformer primaries to 4K.

[DonMoose]

Just remember to connect a load, even if you're not using the power amp. Transformer-coupled outputs HATE it when there's nothing to output into.

10 ohms, 10 watts should be plenty if you ground the power amp input with a dummy plug.

[Bob-I]

There are any number of things that can be done so some experimentation will be needed without losing the tone of the D'Lite. I'm a big fan of using small amps and kicking the volume up through other methods. I even have a plexi shield I put in front of my amp to prevent the beaming volume in front and let the rest handle to spreading of the guitar.

The preamp benefits from the current draw in the power section, so start by leaving the power section connected and a speaker running. Bloom comes from the changes i current draw in the entire amp.

One method I've used is to take the preamp out into a bigger amps line in. If the second amp doesn't have a line in, get a direct box with an input attenuator so you don't overdrive the second amp. You want the D'lite tone, not the secondary amps tone right!

Still another method is to use a mike into the second amp. Larry Carlton mikes into a small PA on stage for the effects but I also found that this added depth to the stage.

[drew]

The D'lite has a Preamp out and a Power amp in, passive jacks on the back.

Well, some of them do. He doesn't say if this was a D'Lite built by Brown Note, or one that a home builder put together. The original D'Lite chassis did not have holes for the loop jacks. So the amp he's talking about may or may not have a preamp out.

[docmh]

This amp doesn't have an effects loop.

[Structo]

The D'lite has a Preamp out and a Power amp in, passive jacks on the back.

Well, some of them do. He doesn't say if this was a D'Lite built by Brown Note, or one that a home builder put together. The original D'Lite chassis did not have holes for the loop jacks. So the amp he's talking about may or may not have a preamp out.

Right, I forgot I drilled the holes for my loop jacks.

OK, here is a layout showing how to connect the two jacks for the loop.
Very simple mod.

[docmh]

Thanks guys, and thanks Structo. That looks like a very simple mod that I want to do. I have a Fender Vibro-king that I want to try for more power. If I have this right, I take the preamp out out from Brown Note and go to the send jack of the Vibro-King?

[boldaslove6789]

It should be the Preamp send of the D'lite into the poweramp return of the Vibroking

[docmh]

OOPS! Thanks, I meant return.