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Amplifier recommendation

Swechsler pointed out how to wire without the y cables. I made a rough drawing of how I think the components will be connected. You guys are probably sick of this but I would appreciate it if someone could verify my drawing. My gear was shipped already so I need to purchase the cables needed asap.20240402_113805.jpg
 
myoldstereo said:
Okay, I get the male couplers allow me to use the volume controls as RCA cables, I don't think they will be long enough so I might order some 12" RCA cables like these.
www.amazon.com

GEARit: RCA Cable

RCA Cable
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...

Exactly, the male adapter convert the female connectors on the volume to look like a standard male/male RCA cable (you'll need 2 5-packs for the 8 female RCA jacks on two volume controllers). You will have two sets of RCA cables -- one from preamp to the ADC or Bose EQ input, and another from the ADC/Bose EQ output to the amp input -- it's likely the split volume control cables will be long enough for one of those legs (preamp to EQ, or EQ to amp -- though I suspects it's better to put the volume control on the EQ to amp leg).

You already have so many connectors, I don't think you'd want to add another RCA cable onto the volume control, though you certainly could if forced to. It should be one set of RCA cables, and one set of volume controls as the second set (unless you really need the volume controls far away from the equipment). Amazon shoudl be shot for leaving off the length of the cable (I see Amazon leave off the most critical measurements all the time in product listings). Amazon has also removed (or made it extremely difficult to find, depending on the product) the Q&A section on product listings. The similar volume control I have has longer cables than they look in the Amazon photo, you'll have to see what length it is. The volume controls should be largely "set and forget", at least when running all four speakers.
 
Okay, I will take your advice. This product says cable lenght is 7.5. This will work correct?

Amazon.com: Universal RCA Level Controller Car Amplifier Audio RCA Amplifier Gain Level Bass Amplifier Volume Control Knob Sub Amp Volume Control Cable for Car, Motorcycle, Speakers, Home Theater : Electronics

Buy Universal RCA Level Controller Car Amplifier Audio RCA Amplifier Gain Level Bass Amplifier Volume Control Knob Sub Amp Volume Control Cable for Car, Motorcycle, Speakers, Home Theater: Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
 
myoldstereo said:
Okay, I will take your advice. This product says cable lenght is 7.5. This will work correct?

Amazon.com: Universal RCA Level Controller Car Amplifier Audio RCA Amplifier Gain Level Bass Amplifier Volume Control Knob Sub Amp Volume Control Cable for Car, Motorcycle, Speakers, Home Theater : Electronics

Buy Universal RCA Level Controller Car Amplifier Audio RCA Amplifier Gain Level Bass Amplifier Volume Control Knob Sub Amp Volume Control Cable for Car, Motorcycle, Speakers, Home Theater: Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...

It should be ok -- I assume all those are knobs are pretty much the same. Split, that only gives you a 15" RCA cable, but probably long enough if pre/eq/amp is stacked.
 
Does the ADC equalizer have a signal gain knob? Or slider? You may just use that to match the level to the Bose speakers.
 
Thanks Mchriste, I would say no. I ordered the volume controls, RCA adapters and a couple 2' cables so I should be ready. Cant wait to get this stuff!!!
 
Typically I'd say make sure the volume knob was turned down before you switch it on... but I don't think that is relevant with your new preamp. Just double check all the wiring. make sure no speaker wires have little fly-away strands shorting out to the other side.

Your set up is a little complex! maybe install with just one pair of speakers before adding the next. But I think you'll be fine either way.
 
Thanks, I'm working on how to stack it all up in this old cabinet. Should have been more on the ball with the shelving on that but I can whip something out in a few minutes once I figure it out.
I have this wiring diagram memorized! But I will have my drawing at hand.
 
Well, got it working. The wiring was correct. Little problem with the old ADC, the bypass button was causing left channel to cut in and out. I sprayed some Deoxit in it and pushed it in and out several time. Its all I could do from the front. I had that unit open a couple weeks ago and those buttons are buried pretty deep and it was hard to clean them.
But in a nutshell I like the amps, honestly did not blow me away but I have a lot of tweaking to do once I get the ADC working properly. Its gonna take some time to get used to them I think. Il let ya know how its going in a few days or so.
 
I'd encourage you to listen systematically, with as little in the way to the speakers at first. Hook up just the pre-amp to the amp and the Cerwins, listen for a bit. This will give you a sense of what the gear sounds like, then add in the additional electronics. You may find the old electronics aren't helping, but actually hurting.
I know that the 901's really need the EQ, but its worth trying w/o it, then adding it. This may trigger you to notice something. As you've already experienced, these old electronics need service often.
Funneling the signal through two vintage EQ's creates many possible points of failure. Also don't be afraid of the Bass and treble controls on that pre amp.
 
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myoldstereo said:
Thank you! Boy the ideas just keep flowing in. Will this degrade the sound quality in any way? Not an expensive item which is nice.
Click to expand...

A Schitt Sys is reasonably inexpensive ($50) way to add a a switchable volume in line without too much signal degradation ..
It's at least using an Alps pot which has a reputation for decent sonics ...
 
Akustic said:
A Schitt Sys is reasonably inexpensive ($50) way to add a a switchable volume in line without too much signal degradation ..
It's at least using an Alps pot which has a reputation for decent sonics ...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendation! If the ones I purchased don't work good then I will try that.
 
mchriste said:
I'd encourage you to listen systematically, with as little in the way to the speakers at first. Hook up just the pre-amp to the amp and the Cerwins, listen for a bit. This will give you a sense of what the gear sounds like, then add in the additional electronics. You may find the old electronics aren't helping, but actually hurting.
I know that the 901's really need the EQ, but its worth trying w/o it, then adding it. This may trigger you to notice something. As you've already experienced, these old electronics need service often.
Funneling the signal through two vintage EQ's creates many possible points of failure. Also don't be afraid of the Bass and treble controls on that pre amp.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice! The Vegas are louder than the 901s so the volume control will be needed eventually. I will try disconnecting the Bose for a while. Last night I was very pleased with the sound. The cd player seems to sound clearer than the tt but then I'm using an old Shure M97xe cart with a repop stylus which I had to sand down to get it to slide in.
I dont think the preamp has bass and treble controls, or at least I have not figured out where they are. Looked in the manual and they do mention it but have not found where they explain how to adjust them. Then I had so much going on I didn't look too long.
The bluetooth was simple to set up and Im gonna really like that feature. And the remote control is great too.
So to listen to only the vegas should I disconnect the cables from the Bose EQ to the amp, bypass the Bose EQ with the Vegas? Or run cables directly from the preamp to the Vega channels on the main amp?
 
Figured out the bass/treble/balance controls. I have the CV running without the ADC and they sound great! I'm liking these amps more and more.
 
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