2. amps-preamps
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... Should I be concerned?

Hello to all...

So here I am, back again, still trying to "tune" my budget rig to the max "best to me sound":

CD only setup with over 10 yr old Marantz SA8001, into a Tube Line-level preamp, into a Parasound HCA-750 power amp, with homemade speaker cables (12g solid core copper wire, twisted; bare wire on both ends), at back of speaker same wire bent into C-shapes as jumpers... Speakers are KEF Q1s (luv'um).

On the back of the Parasound, there are volume knobs (so you could use the amp direct without a preamp) which I have up full ( as recommended to me thru another topic line). When I play music, I have so little volume adjustment available: I can't really get past 8 o'clock (from starting at 7) without it being too loud... 

One question I have is: will I be degrading the sound if I " adjust" the volume pots on the rear of the power amp, so that I can have more control over the volume knob on the pre? I guess I' be shooting for a 10-11 o'clock on the pre, and I'll assume it means a great decrease in the setting on the power amp.

Could another tact be: to replace the volume knob/pot with an articulated one, one that would click increases as I turn it?

This may be a foolish question - but any info or suggestions (other than criticism or sarcasm) would be greatly appreciated... Best Wishes to all - Be Well.
insearchofprat
insearchofprat OP
189 posts
 
twoleftears

Notice that when I set the volume knob on the preamp where I'd feel comfortable for usual listening (about 9 o'clock) - and adjusting the gain knobs on the Parasound's rear: I can decrease volume but there is very little volume increase turning the knob up and thru 12 o'clock: ?
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
".....would switching to a 12AU7 instead of the 12AX7 make a diff?"      Yes; in most cases, the 12AX7, 12AT7 and 12AU7 are interchangeable (gain factors of 100, 60 and 17 to 20, respectively).      That could actually be your best bet, but- check with your pre’s designer, first.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,867 posts
 
Put this Schiit SYS between your CDP and your preamp to lower the gain!
https://www.schiit.com/products/sys
facten
2,962 posts
 
If you want to lower the gain of the 12ax7 you might want to try the 5751 which is a lower gain equivalent
facten
2,962 posts
 
Also, here is the link to the Brent Jessee website's  12ax7 page , you might find his take on the different 12ax7 variants and brands helpful

http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm
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