The Lightspeed Attenuator is a great passive preamp, but before buying you need to ensure it will match up with your other components, especially the amp. Typically your amps input sensitivity should be around 1V. The input impedance should be around 75kohms or higher. The output impedance of your source should also be low, with enough voltage output, 2V plus. I have plenty of play in the attenuator on my Lightspeed. Typically it sits around 12 o'clock.
cd player + preamp = too much gain
My cd player is 2vrms output, preamp is 30dB gain and I can barely listen at low volumes without it being too loud.
I have tried in-line attenuators to no avail (the sound deteriorated noticeably) and also replaced the 12AX7 and 12AX7 pairs with lower gain tubes...still no major improvements.
Are there any options left?
I have tried in-line attenuators to no avail (the sound deteriorated noticeably) and also replaced the 12AX7 and 12AX7 pairs with lower gain tubes...still no major improvements.
Are there any options left?