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A Question About Volume Controls Types

My previous preamp's volume knob had a definite low point and high point. When it was powered down I could rotate the volume up to the maximum setting and if I left it there and switched the preamp on, it would of course come on at full volume.

I'm trying to understand how the volume control works on my McIntosh MA252 integrated amp. When it's turned off and I spin the volume control up, there's no end point; it just free wheels. After I've done that and I power it up, the volume is exactly where it was during my last listening session.

Can someone explain how they work so differently?
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oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,450 posts
 
The encoder translates the right or left motion into volume up or volume down to a microprocessor that manipulates the output either in the digital domain or often through a resistive ladder like in many Conrad Johnson preamps.  
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,450 posts
 
That looks like a nice amp. How does it sound ? 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
One control is entirely analog and that is what you are adjusting.
The other is digitally controlled, and remembers what its setting was last time it was operated. The control itself is simply a counter wheel and can spin as much as you like. When on, the circuit counts the notches that have gone by as you advance the control and makes the change in volume.
route-66's avatar
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route-66 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks for all the answers!

@oddiofyl This amp sound so much better than the Counterpoint SA3.1 preamp/Adcom GFA555 amp combo that I had been using for over 30 years. I still have a tube front end with a solid state output stage like before, but this integrated amp is a real step up for me.

I have one more question if you don’t mind; are there any advantages with one type of volume control over the other?
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