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The psychological factor

Since I got a new amplifier a while ago, I have hesitated putting the volume control on the preamp past 12 o’clock because that was never a good choice with previous amps.  I was afraid I would overload the system.  I now find that factor was depriving me of the best sound I could obtain.
Placing it now at 12 or above, I’m now finally enjoying what the amp is truly capable of.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like that.
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rvpiano OP
2,666 posts
 
Amp is a Benchmark AHB2.  Interestingly it has three “sensitivity” switch settings which control volume levels.  I have it on the lowest setting.
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rvpiano OP
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Preamp is Conrad-Johnson PV11 modded with teflon caps.
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fuzztone
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hesitate?
djones51
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You probably should be using the mid or high setting the low setting is used to interface with pro gear on the Benchmark. Did you ask  Benchmark if your preamp would be a good match at the low setting?
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rvpiano OP
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Yes I did.  They said it wouldn’t be a problem.
On the mid setting, the volume.control was unmanageable, especially with the high output cartridge I’m using.
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