It is not necessarily just your amp but also likely your preamp. Do you know how much gain it has? Most preamps have way too much gain AFAIK. That's why I had mine built with only 10dB of gain, and actually could have gone as low as 6dB but at the time was askeered to go so low. Because of my low preamp gain I am able to get to satisfying output levels around the center travel of it's volume knob - the sweet (most linear) spot. You can likely get a preamp built with cutomized gain easier than an amp. Or perhaps insert attenuators?
Thoughts on new amp
I currently have a Bryston 4B (200wpc) amp to CJ pv10 Pre (tubed) to Alon Model 1 speakers (88dB). The amp seems to be overpowering the rest, I can't turn the pre past 9:00 and keep it under wall shaking decibels. I would like more volume control at lower listening levels. That said, I am thinking about moving to a tube amp(s) since I like the sound/tone of them. What size amp should I be looking for? I almost had a deal for a Dynaco ST70 and am still considering moving in that direction. I have a budget of around $1k and would like to go used to maximize that. What are the benefits to going with 2 amps as opposed to 1 more powerful? So there it is, I am happy with the warmth of tube gear, ready to trade out the big old Bryston-workhorse that she is for a more refined tube amp. All ideas and help are very much appreciated- you guys have got me this far and I am enjoying my music more than at any point in my life.
Very Grateful
Zen
Very Grateful
Zen