2. amps-preamps
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Help with increasing gain on pre amp or options?

Hi,

I've just recently paired an AR LS15 tube preamp with a pair of Cary V12 Monoblocks and need to increase the gain from the preamp to get more volume....probably around 30% including some headroom.
What is the best was to do this?
The LS15 has the remote volume control so I'm guessing it's not as simple as changing a couple of resistors?
The issue seems to be with the V12's, since I had the same problem with lack of volume when driving them directly from a Monarchy DAC, and I've driven other amps directly from the DAC without issue (both LS15 and V12 are new to me, so I haven't had experience with these issues before now).

Is it possible to change output tubes in the LS or input tubes in the V12 to increase gain?

I don't want to open up the V12's if possible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Rooze
128x128rooze
stehno
1,453 posts
 
If your cdp and the Cary have the outputs, switch to XLR which typically carry an additional 2volts over single-ended connections.

Given the right right mix of things, those additional 2 volts could grant you your wish.

-IMO
rhljazz
1,254 posts
 
The LS15 was sold offering two different gain choices at time of purchase. You should contact Audio Research and give them the serial number and they should be able to tell you which version you have.
jazzdude
332 posts
 
It may be an issue of voltage sensitivity instead of gain.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
On my ARC pre (SP-9), there was a trace to cut on the PCB that would change (reduce) the gain. Maybe it was cut on yours.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
One note of caution regarding preamps that provide two different gain settings. Sometimes, selecting the higher gain option can also increase the distortion to unacceptable noise levels.

-IMO
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