2. analog
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I need a loudness switch

I am by no means what I would consider a Audiophile, or a Engineer. 
 But I am fortunate enough to own some semi decent equipment.  I love music that gives me goosebumps. 
My CD playback is fine , as I don't really use it anyway. 
 But as with many others I lose substance at low volume with vinyl playback.
Dial set between 55 and 60 things come alive. But that is too loud for most sessions. 
 System is.
 VPI Classic table with a Soundsmith Carmen mkii cart.
Decware zp3 phono stage. 
Conrad Johnson et3 preamp
Conrad Johnson premier 140 amp.
 Proac Response D38 speakers.
 I would love to run the system around 35 to 45 setting , but to have a little authority. 
Does anyone have any suggestions?
 I was considering a Decware zbox that boosts the voltage. 
But with not being a Engineer.  I do not know what effects the 4 volt input will have on the cj gear.
Any input would be appreciated.  
Thank you,  Scott 
 
scottht
scottht OP
398 posts
 
You have to love Amazon. 
 1 day shipping and I am trying out the Loki.
 First impression as I listen to my first lp.
Yeah, I think this will work just fine.
 It is subtle but effective. 
 Not hyped and overblown.
 I will see how this goes.
 Thank you to those who had input.
 Scott
scottht OP
398 posts
 
I have been listening with the Loki for 2 days and I am completely impressed with it.
 I can now listen at the 3 o'clock position and get full sound.
 So satisfied and thanks to those that suggested it.
scottht OP
398 posts
 
Funny how some time with a piece will really change your mind. 
 I yanked that Loki out.
It really does get in the way of the music. 
It was neat at first ramping up the bass. 
But it got old after about a week. 
 Thanks for the suggestions. 
Lowering the vta actually fixed most of the thin sound.
paulcreed
533 posts
 
Get a phono pre with a volume control that has extra gain or head room for your cartridge. I have a Parts Connextion modded PS Audio GCPH in a second system with a Soundsmith cartridge that works great together plenty of authority and detail and a remote to boost gain for thin recorded albums. I am breaking it down and selling of the gear if interested in the GCPH.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,178 posts
 
As Scott has noticed it is not easy to do this in the analog realm. It can only be right at one volume and analog filters can play havoc with things like imaging. For decades the best preamps avoided tone controls and loudness switches. None of us would give an equalizer a first look never mind a second one. But with digital this has changed in a big way. As long as the sampling rate and bit depth are up there the benefits far out weigh the detriments. Analog guys have a tendency to be digiphobes. 
I think this is unfortunate. 
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