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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 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. 
erik_squires
17,544 posts
 
You can get reasonably close with a Schiit Loki.

You can do this all in Roon with a DSP preset.

Best,

E
wolf_garcia
6,894 posts
 
I think the Loki is brilliant if used with discretion...I use mine rarely but when something needs help it works, and really stays out of the way when switched out.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
     Wasn’t Loki the name of Ragnar’s troubled shipbuilder friend on the tv series Vikings?
     That guy was a bit quirky and the Schiit Loki apparently is capable of behaving similarly.
     Wait a minute, uh-oh. Now I remember, his name was Floki, not Loki. Oh well, with quotes like this:“The space between life and death, that’s where we are the most alive.” Floki “, it’s probably best it’s not named the Schiit Floki.

scottht,
     You may find more relevant wisdom in another Vikings character’s quote: "Always remember to finish off your opponent, if you can. No man ever ran away with his entrails hanging to his knees, or his head cut off.” Rollo “
     Perhaps your opponent is a lack of high quality bass in your system and room.  Your ally/solution could be as simple as a good quality class D amp or a pair of good quality subs with a remote.

Tim
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Tim, I'm all for the subs but since when is Class D the harbinger of good bass? Or good anything for that matter? 
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