2. amps-preamps
  3. 127530-71836

Different gain on 2 amps.

I never posted before. OK, here's the deal. I have a new VAC preamp that has no tape monitor output. Only outputs are after the volume control. I want to feed the output of the preamp into 2 separate amplifiers. One to feed my listening room speakers, and the other to feed a second power amp to drive some nice MB Quart speakers in my kitchen. I have done this before using the tape monitor out to a second preamp, then to the second amp and on to the kitchen. Separate volume controls, no sweat. 
Now I have a very nice VAC Phi 200 tube power amp for the listening room. Gain is 37 DB for Single  ended RCA's. The other amp for the kitchen is a solid state CJ amp with a gain of 27. So I connected these 2 amps to the 2 outputs from the VAC preamp. Everything works, except the volume in the listening room is way louder due to the difference in gain of the 2 amps.   As we all know, putting the signal into another preamp is no help.
2 questions:

1. Any ideas on how I can boost up the preamp output from the VAC preamp to the CJ power amp so as to equalize the volumes in both rooms? 

2. Anyone know a reasonably priced amp with a gain of 37 or close to that?  
BTW, I don't/can't just buy another VAC tube amp for the kitchen. Way too big, way too expensive. 
otto1234
erik_squires
16,370 posts
 
The issue is more than gain of the amps, but also sensitivity of the speakers. :)

In typical audiophile fashion, you should get less sensitive speakers for your listening room. :D :D :D

One thing to watch out for though is tube preamps don't like to split their output. You could be doing your listening room a disservice by trying this.

Best,

Erik
otto1234 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks everybody.  I was hoping that could do something to the signal going to the lesser amp rather than messing with what is going to the  VAC Phi 200.  I saw a device at Amazon called an iBoost 800.  Wondering if anybody has seen/used one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/iBoost-800-Stereo-Amplifier-Booster/dp/B00CVDN2O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=...

The diagram shown on the Amazon website shows it used to boost the signal for a very long run of cable.  Also, the comments show that some people use it to boost signal to a subwoofer.  These devices are pretty cheap and I will probably try the Shiit Sys and the iBoost. 
erik_squires
16,370 posts
 
So I read up on your VAC amp. The gain is LESS via XLR, so if you can swap cables, you can reduce the output somewhat.

Best,

Erik

mb1audio02
188 posts
 
Why not just run another pair of IC's from your source to your CJ preamp?
mward
102 posts
 
The Schiit Sys is a nice passive volume control, but a Lightspeed attenuator is more transparent.  Shameless plug for George who makes them, but I've tried both and if you need to lower volume in your main system you want something better than a Sys considering the quality of your amp.  The Lightspeed is a couple hundred dollars more than the Schiit Sys.  I find it to be extremely transparent and the price point is very good.
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