Amplifier knobs...where to "set" on the clock?


Here is a question that has idled in my head for years...

I have a 1983 M-70 Yamaha separate amplifier...paired with a C-70 pre. On the front of the M-70 are two sets of knobs for output...for the A and B speakers. I have never been sure on where to place the output line...as if on a clock.  A  "tech" friend told me that the knobs should be at straight-up "noon"...(not wide-open at 5:00)  He saying the reason: "Let the preamp do all of the work". Then, I asked the tech who serviced the M-70 and C-70 years later and he told me the knobs should be "wide open" at 5:00. no reason, except that is where they should be set.

Hmmm.

What do the fine people here at Audiogon say to those two opposing opinions?

What a hobby!

Thank you in advance.

vinylspin
vinylspin

Showing 2 responses by mesch

With the volume set at noon, where is the volume set on the pre when listening at loudest levels.
In as much as I would agree the ideal would be not to have to attenuate the amplifier, a 200wpc amp driving 100dB speakers seems a mismatch. In your case, with the amp unattenuated you are using very little of the gain provided by the line stage of your preamp.

Given that you are reaching full volume at 7:30 with the amp at 5:00
I would try setting the amp such that equal volume is attained with preamp set around 11:00 and see what that sounds like to you. You would likely have better control over volume. If it proves detrimental to sonics then return to your current settings.