Stupid preamp question

[whoaru99]

Sorry for any highjack, but...

what, in general, is the best setting for your amp volume levels when paired with a preamp? In particular; I keep my B-2 speaker level pots straight up (half volume), which means my C-2a volume rarely goes over 10 o'clock. should the amp pots be set higher?

Personally, I'd set them even lower, but I guess that somewhat depends if you like to use the loudness contour to emphasize the low end at somehwat higher volumes.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=369992

 

[HighTopFade]

Probably better to start a new thread,

Thanks. Thread started.

 

[avionic]

applification

Oh no " new word warning" Got to send it in to O'Reilly ..

 

[poprhetor]

Sorry for any highjack, but...

what, in general, is the best setting for your amp volume levels when paired with a preamp? In particular; I keep my B-2 speaker level pots straight up (half volume), which means my C-2a volume rarely goes over 10 o'clock. should the amp pots be set higher?

I don't know that there is a best "general" setting. Having separate gain stages along the path should provide greater control, so you may be able to dial into a sweet spot. If it were me, I'd attempt to find unity gain (the preamp volume setting where the preamp is neither attenuating nor boosting the source signal). Your preamp and source manuals may provide enough info to discover the values.

1) Make sure all equipment is off. 2) Turn the amp(s) all the way down. 3) Set the volume on your preamp to a unity gain level. 4) Power up. 5) Start the music. 6) Slowly bring up the volume on your amp(s) to your max listening level, then leave the amp(s) at that level. 7) At this point, you'll be pretty close to where you want to be--leave the amps alone and control volume from the pre. Fine tune all volume settings from there. Your specific system synergy and personal taste will determine the final outcome. Reducing the amp volume and increasing gain on the preamp side could tame base and heighten dynamics (good), but over-doing this approach could diminish the weight and sound stage and possibly cause the high end to get tinny and altogether irritating (bad). The reverse could bring out fullness and volume but could sound bloaty and less defined. Just dial it in.

Note the settings, then try some comparisons. For example, turn the amp(s) up to full and attenuate from the preamp. See how the sound quality differs. I'd be interested in your findings.

 

[JJJimmy]

Will start the tweaking!