If you are running your volume control down around 9 o’clock, you are actually throwing away signal level so that a subsequent gain stage can make it back up.This is correct. And there are actually some preamp that just don't give a good quality audio signal if the volume/gain is set so low. They really work better and higher signal levels, so if your volume is not up in the 11 o'clock to 2 o'clock level, you may not be getting the most out of your preamp.
Amp-preamp mismatch?? result higher volume. What is rthe cause??
Several months ago, I changed amps from a BAT VK200 to a P.S. Audio S-300 amp. I also invested in a new interconnect, the Audience "Ono" which replaced a basic Harmonic Technology " Truth Link" which is used now between the preamp and the CD player The P.S. Audio amp is very dynamic but also more forward, but not aggressive
Pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14SE and which I like very much 9uses two tubes in the output stage. The current combo of interconnects has sounded louder (and more forward in the midrange) at the same volume setting used before with the BAT amp To its credit, the P.S, Audio provides better detail and depth in the midrange than former BAT amp
So, is there an impedance mismatch between the power amp and pre-amp?? Or is the increase in volume a consequence of a mismatch between the interconnects, either to the amp or the connection between the amp and pre-amp??
Please advise.
Thank you
S.J.
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While a lot of power amplifiers do use a conventional amount of gain (23 dB? 28? something like that) it’s not a requirement. Preamps tend to vary a lot more in the internal total gain, and for sure, you can’t compare volume knob direction between them, as nothing is standardized. I do wish preamps had a lot less gain though. I’d like to have more control between off and 12 o’clock. |
High gain preamp to high gain amp problem. When so, best to have gain adjustability in either to ensure an optimal volume range (my pre’s at 10 - 2 o’clock). Otherwise, you can get attenuator cable made (-6db or -12db) to go in between i/c from pre to amp.. Shaves off a bit of quality, but worthwhile (in my old case) than having system already playing too loudly with volume barely touching 9. Sticking with my preamp, ever since, I’d only consider amp/s with gain adjust (or low gain ones, preferably below 20db). |
This thread may be relevant. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/input-sensitivity-gain-and-preamp-matching |
- 15 posts total