2. amps-preamps
  3. 168140-16768

Total System Gain Question

I am considering an amp with 25dB of gain and 575mV input sensitivity for rated minimum output, and considering a preamp with 18dB of gain. So total system gain would be 43dB. My speakers are 88dB efficient.

Is too much gain for a 2V line level DAC source? I don’t know what the input sensitivity of the preamp is. I worry I’ll be stuck in the bottom (non-linear) portion of the volume pot due to the total gain ...

I don’t have a feel for this since I’d been using an integrated amp forever.
greg7
pragmasi
212 posts
 
You’ve confused gain (and input sensitivity) with power output. They are two completely different things. There’s no way to calculate power output in watts from the information the OP has provided.
Input sensitivity, gain and power output are all related mathematically and you can work out one from the others if you assume a certain loudspeaker impedance.
I didn’t say the system would be capable, just that an 8Ω speaker driven by the maximum output voltage would need 2500W from the amplifier and need to be able to tolerate it.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Short answer: what this means in practical terms is that you'll very likely only be using your preamp's volume control at the lower end of its range.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-High-End-Audio/dp/0978649362/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1HQWAOMTH56KK&...   

In case that doesn't work 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xgx4k83zzc
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,950 posts
 
pragmasi
Input sensitivity, gain and power output are all related mathematically and you can work out one from the others if you assume a certain loudspeaker impedance.
There's no way to calculate power output in watts from the information the OP has provided. You simply don't know what you're talking about.

perkadin's avatar
perkadin
286 posts
 
If your concerns have anything to do with the previous thread on Gain wars there is no need to worry.  2V output from the source is just about industry standard. Actually those specs you listed look common and should mix and match easily.  Some high end designs can have some pretty unusual specs and can be more difficult to mate, but really isn't an issue for the vast majority of gear.
More to discover