2. amps-preamps
  3. 1323453857

Is this preamp mod to reduce gain advisable?

I have an expensive preamp and have this option from the (small) manufacturer to do this to reduce the gain:

" re-wire the input transformer, which would give a 6dB drop in gain. It is fairly major surgery (requires some cuts and re-wiring on the PCB) but it can be done."

Would you do this, or is it too much risk?

Thanks.
rgs92

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
6db is not a large change in gain. I doubt that it would be worth the risks of problems arising, or effects on sonics or resale value.

Regards,
-- Al
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
RGS, thanks very much for the nice comments.

The Rothwell's that Toby suggested could very well be a good solution, if what you want to accomplish is simply a reduction in overall system gain (so that you would be using the volume control at higher positions). In that case, you could place them at the power amp inputs.

On the other hand, if what you are trying to accomplish is preventing overload of a preamp stage that precedes the volume control, I'm not sure that using them directly ahead of a transformer-coupled preamp input would provide good sonic results. I'm not certain that it wouldn't, either, but it would raise some possible technical issues that would warrant further study, and might require specific knowledge of the characteristics of the input transformer and its surrounding circuit.

Thanks very much again for your comments. Best regards,

-- Al
More to discover