2. amps-preamps
  3. 135329-99023

Volume control

When I use my CD player through my tube preamp I turn the volume control no more than 9 o'clock on the dial. However when I connect my Oppo to the preamp I need to turn the knob of the preamp considerable higher. I also need to turn the volume up on the Oppo. If I connect the Oppo directly to my amp and bypass the preamp, I can reduce the volume setting on the Oppo.
Any ideas as what is causing the volume difference?
Thanks
elf1
elf1
elf1 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for the response. My preamp is Audio Research SP6 and my CD player is a Rotel. The amp is Bryston 4B st. I do not know the sensitivity of the amp. My Oppo is model 105. 
unsound
7,358 posts
 

The output voltage of the AR SP6 is higher than the Oppo's. If the input sensitivity of the Bryston 4B ST is similar to the Bryston 4B's you should be able to achieve maximum power output with either unit preceding it before having the volume control at the maximum setting.

Remember the volume control acts more like a brake than an accelerator. In this case the lower output voltage will allow greater range and perhaps more consistently precise volume control settings.

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Any ideas as what is causing the volume difference?
Hi @elf1

Regardless of what's causing the volume difference, in all likelihood you don't have any problem or issue with your gear. IMO, 9 is fine, despite what some proponents of 10 or 11 will claim. Also, keep in mind that irrespective of your CD player, OPPO, or other source, the "level" of the program music source itself also plays a major role, perhaps the most important role.
More to discover