2. amps-preamps
  3. 1292801370

Ideas for reducing gain on a Belles 21A pre-amp?

Using a Belles 21A pre-amp with a Belles Reference 150A amp,
Silverline Audio Prelude speakers Sensitivity: 91 dB, (but actually measured lower by Stereophile at 87.7).

Getting too much gain. It's usually loud enough at 9:00 on the volume knob.

I'll be doing surgery to it shortly to install the Auricap upgrade. While I got it apart I'm wondering if anyone here is familiar enough with the circuit to suggest a mod to lower the gain a bit?

I know people are going to suggest contacting Belles, but I couldn't get much help last time I called them, so I'm not going to bother.
traudio
traudio OP
79 posts
 
There's an interesting idea.
Wasn't aware of that company, thanks.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
Go to amazon type in attenuators and go from there i suggest a 12 db pair, only like $25 or close to that,these enabled me to use my Counterpoint the strange thing is when used on pre amp didnt seem to lower gain when hooked up to cd player they worked great,cd output or whatever you call it is 2.5 on my Atoll.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
And yes you should have got more help from Belles.
rgs92
974 posts
 
I wanted to bump this thread as I am having the same problem using my Ray Samuels B52 (as a preamp) feeding my Edge NL12.1 power amp.

The 23-step Dact attenuator is usually at 4(too low) or 5(too high). I am going to try a pair of Rothwells (cheap!) but I saw comments that they blunt the sound.

I noticed other ideas here in the forums but I just wanted to ask for up-to-date suggestions (aside from trading for a new tubed preamp, which I will consider later on).

I love the tonality and richness of the B52, so I am trying to make it work if I can.
traudio OP
79 posts
 
The B-52 has gain switches, what's the problem with using those?
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