Amplifier Gain Settings Question

[Isaac C.]

Hello everyone, I have a Hitachi Ha 610 that has three gain settings buttons below the stepped level attenuator. I've had this amp for a couple months but never really paid attention to these buttons. What exactly do they, I know they adjust gain but I'm still a little confused when it comes to what gain means? There are a lot of things I've learned and understand from this hobby, but this is my next step. The three settings are -5db, -10db,a -20db. Thanks for the help and or explanation!

 

[llwhtt]

Gain is basically the difference between the input of an amplifier and it's output expressed in Decibels. But to get to the use of the attenuation switches, you want to use whatever switch(es) that allows you to use the volume control near it's mid position at your normal listening volume. Why you ask? Volume controls are notorious for bad tracking, channel to channel imbalance, near their ends of travel. So by using your volume control in the middle of it's range the channel to channel balance should be pretty good.

Craig

 

[Isaac C.]

Ok so using the formula from the pinned thread, my amp reaches max power at basically -8db on the attenuator based on the amps input sensitivity and input voltage. The attenueator starts at -60db, so that means halfway would be around -26db, given -60db-8db=52db range/2 for half volume=-26db. Does that seem right, so then I need to use whatever gain setting(s) to get my normal listening level about halfway?

 

[cobbears]

so then I need to use whatever gain setting(s) to get my normal listening level about halfway?

Yes - then you will get the best balance on the volume control.

 

[Isaac C.]

Cool, thanks @llwhtt and @cobbears for the quick and easy explanations.