2. amps-preamps
  3. 127164-5938

Mismatched preamp and CD player?

My system is Adcom GTP-500, GFA-555 and MMGs. An Onix XCD-88 and Denon DCM-280 take care of the CD side.

I cannot turn the volume on the preamp above 8 o’clock comfortably and 9 o’clock drives me from the room (7 o'clock is full off with 5 o'clock full on) . The problem is much more noticable on the Onix than the Denon, but neither is desirable. Research suggests this is due to a mismatch of the CD player output level and the preamp input sensitivity. How can I confirm this is the case, and what can I do about it if true? Are there other causes I should be looking into?

Thanks in advance for your responses.
kythyn
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
George, 

Thanks for the quick response.  Looks like the right solution, but I need some education if you can.

What is likely causing too much system gain?  This gear has been used together before (not the MMGs but other Maggies) and I don't recall the problem.

With the SYS, it looks like I can use both CD players (the Denon is a 5 CD player for lazy listening).  If I only use one of the CD players (the XCD-88) could I somehow use the phono stage of the Adcom GTP-500?

Thanks again

Dan


kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Yogiboy,

Thanks for the solution. Do those go between the CD player and the preamp or between preamp and amp?


Dan
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,777 posts
 
I would place them between the CD player and the preamp. BTW, I use an attenuator between my tuner and preamp to tone down the volume. Give them a shot. Like I said, you can always return them if they don’t do the job.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,964 posts
 
Sounds like too much gain in your system- OP.
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
jafant - That seems to be the consensus, but I don’t understand why? This same gear has driven Magnepan 3.6s (10years ago) and I don’t recall the issue coming up.

George - I don't suppose placing the SYS between the CD players and the Adcom preamp would address the problem and allow me to use the phono stage of the preamp for a turntable?
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