2. amps-preamps
  3. 162308-1644

Amp-preamp mismatch?? result higher volume. What is rthe cause??

Several months ago, I changed amps from a BAT VK200  to a P.S. Audio S-300 amp. I also invested in a new interconnect, the Audience "Ono"  which replaced  a basic Harmonic Technology " Truth Link" which is used  now between the preamp and the CD player  The P.S. Audio amp is very dynamic  but also more forward, but not aggressive 


Pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14SE and which I like very much 9uses two tubes in the output stage.  The current combo of interconnects has sounded louder (and more forward in the midrange) at the same volume setting used before with the BAT amp  To its credit, the P.S, Audio provides better detail and depth in the midrange than former BAT amp  


So, is there an impedance mismatch between the power amp and pre-amp??   Or  is the increase in volume a consequence of a mismatch between the interconnects, either to the amp or the connection between the amp and pre-amp??


Please advise.

Thank you

S.J.

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
While a lot of power amplifiers do use a conventional amount of gain (23 dB? 28? something like that) it’s not a

requirement. Preamps tend to vary a lot more in the internal total gain, and for sure, you can’t compare volume knob direction between them, as nothing is standardized.

I do wish preamps had a lot less gain though. I’d like to have more control between off and 12 o’clock.
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