2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137965724

CD output voltage too high for preamp: what to do?

I have an Audible Illusions preamp which is designed for a 1.5v input signal. I am told that this is standard. My Ayre CX-7e puts out 2.25v. They play beautifully together but I have too little control over volume: I cannot use the preamp vol controls beyond 9 o'clock because it is way too loud. Likewise it is hard to get just the right volume in the limited range available. This is worse with some CDs for reasons I do not know.
Audible Illusions will change the preamp attenuation board for $275, but before I do so I wonder how others have dealt with the problem of newer CD players with higher outputs than their preamps were designed for.
gmargo

Showing 2 responses by bigtee

bigtee
803 posts
 
I trust you did flip the gain switches to their lowest position (setting) in the M3A. They're 3 dip switches per channel. Two for bypassing the output caps and one for lowering the gain.
bigtee
803 posts
 
Just for information, the CD inputs on the AI are not the most transparent. Try the aux. inputs. They're resistors on the inputs of the cd that are not on the other inputs. Art put them there to reduce glare on "Cheaper" CD players. Also, the output #2 has resistors also that, to me, degrade the sound. Always use output #1 for best sound. He did away with these in the L-2. He may have also done that with newer M3a's but I don't know that is the case. It did say in the owners manual.
I would locate the resistors on the main circuit board (I think they are near the dip switch) instead of the input resistors and replace them with the appropriate value. You do not want more in the signal path than absolutely required. Since these resistors are allready there, these would be the ones I personally would adjust.
Call Art Ferris at AI, he's a good guy and would probably help you or at least tell you if it's a bad idea.
The outboard controls would probably be the way to go honestly unless you returned it to him for adjustment.
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