Slikric,
It depends on the output of your source i.e. how many volts and also the sensitivity of your amplifier and speakers.The higher the source out put, the less gain needed from your preamp. The more senitive the amp(for example an amp with a sensitivity of .5volts would require less preamp gain than an amp with a sensitivity of say 1.5 volt to reach a given volume level). The same with speakers, 95db sensitivity would need less gain than a 88db speaker to reach a given sound volume. Most digital sources will be 2 volts or higher and often high gain preamps are`nt needed, 10 db of gain should be plenty. With too much gain in a system your useful range on the volume control will be quite limited i.e. 7-9 oclock, as above that level the sound becomes to loud, and fine tuning is very difficult.
It depends on the output of your source i.e. how many volts and also the sensitivity of your amplifier and speakers.The higher the source out put, the less gain needed from your preamp. The more senitive the amp(for example an amp with a sensitivity of .5volts would require less preamp gain than an amp with a sensitivity of say 1.5 volt to reach a given volume level). The same with speakers, 95db sensitivity would need less gain than a 88db speaker to reach a given sound volume. Most digital sources will be 2 volts or higher and often high gain preamps are`nt needed, 10 db of gain should be plenty. With too much gain in a system your useful range on the volume control will be quite limited i.e. 7-9 oclock, as above that level the sound becomes to loud, and fine tuning is very difficult.