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
mb1audio
151 posts
 
" Onix XCD-88 goes into one of the two inputs on the SYS.  The tape out on the Adcom preamp goes into the other input on the SYS.  The output of the SYS goes to the Adcom amp?  Can the SYS sit on top of the amp as the preamp was originally designed to do?"

Yes. Just think of the SYS as a 2 input preamp. Its just passive and doesn't process or amplify the signal in any way.

" If I decide to add a turntable, the turntable goes into the phono section of the preamp.  Will selecting tape out on the preamp send the phono output to the SYS and then onto the amp? "

Yes again. But as a future upgrade, you may want to get an external phono preamp and connect it directly to the sys.


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

Regarding the "gain" issue, why even keep the active preamp in the loop? You can try feeding the "Sys" with your source components and connect the output right into your amplifier. If you want to use your turntable, you can use your active preamp and substitute one of your source inputs with your preamp output.

By the way, I have a Sys and I'm using it as a passive preamp. Nice little piece.

kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Kalali - 

As it turns out, that is exactly what I expect to do. The CD player will be one of two primary inputs with a wireless/DAC combination the other.  Just have to decide what Wireless/Dac combination makes the most sense.  Looking at the Audioengine products now.
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Or if you need or want balanced 
http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php/en/products/monitor-controllers/nano-patch-plus
Have two of these and a 2.1 version for using with a subwoofer 
Honestly one beat out a active preamp that sold for 7k in my system with my ears . LOL
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
att: kythyn
Just keep everything you want plugged into the "powered up" GTP-500 and use your source selector switch to select different sources,  and the tape outputs of the 500, go to one of the inputs of the SYS, then the SYS becomes your volume control. This way your only using the 500 as a source selector. 

This way you knock out the volume control and output gain stage of the GTP-500 from being used.

And you still have one input left on the SYS for your still another source.

Naturally the output of the SYS goes to your 555 power amp

Cheers George
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