2. amps-preamps
  3. 149355-1641

ARC ls 25 mkii cd/dac input too hot?

I have an Audio Research ls25 mk2 preamp and pass x250.5 amplifier. I have a Bryston bda-1 dac and Acurus acd11 CD player. When I listen to CDs and the recorded music gets louder, it sounds like the signal going into the preamp gets too hot creating a little distortion. I’ve tried a few different CD players, both connected directly to the preamp, as well as using them as transports through the dac. Both created the same issue. I don’t think I’ve noticed it when using the iMac as a source for the dac.... I’ll have to check that again.
I’ve had no problems when listening to records. The signal is definitely lower.

It seems like the output of the digital sources is too loud for the preamp. Does that make sense?
tripg

Showing 1 response by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
The Acurus has 2V output gain, so it shouldn't be overdriving the preamp.

Do CDs sound at all harsh, or is the problem only at high volume? If so, there could be a ground loop between CDP and preamp traveling thru the unbalanced interconnect. Try using a cheater-plug on the CD, then crank up the volume.

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