The Benchmark amp has three levels of gain via a switch on the rear panel. The highest gain of the Benchmark is 22db. The standard gain on the Pass is 26 db. Quite a difference when dealing with the same source/preamp; more than 3db of a difference. This should not be an issue with the CJ PV11. For the same in room volume level, you will be lowering the volume control on the preamp...no surprise here. The PV11 is phase inverting, meaning somewhere in the system you need to invert phase. Unless there is a phase reversal switch somewhere, this is usually accomplished with the speaker cables at either the amp end or the speaker end. At one end only, the positive wire gets connected to the negative connection of the amp/speaker, for each channel. Not meaning to confuse you rv, just some insight. My best, MrD.
Quandary
I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.
Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)
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Mr.D I’m aware of the phase inversion on the CJ and have the correct configuration of the leads. Thank you for your suggestions. I’m trying to just listen and enjoy. The problem I’m facing right now is, because the CJ has no remote control I have to get up and down to change the volume for each recording. What’s worse is that the tiniest turn of the volume dial creates a difference in volume. Very disconcerting.
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@rvpiano , because of the additional gain of the Pass amps, the setting on your CJ volume control is lower and that incremental adjustments are harder to pinpoint. I am not sure what to make out of "I have to get up and down to change the volume for each recording". This should have been the case with the Benchmark (I too make regular volume adjustments from 1 recording to the next). However, what I believe you might be experiencing with the Pass, is a "greater sense of dynamic range" as they have extraordinarily large, beefy and well designed power supplies. Try and relax with the volume setting as this should not be disconcerting. |
- 120 posts total