2. amps-preamps
  3. 180958-65619

Too Much Gain the Issue ? (preamp and amp)

I have a Cary SLP-05 preamp- 24db gain with balanced and 17db single ended.  

Using a Pass Labs XA30.8 (26db gain) and even with the 17db of the single ended output of the Cary preamp the sound can frequently be sibilant in the upper midrange.   

Have not had the sibilant sound with other amps (Parasound JC5) but did lower the gain on that amp to 50% of dial.  

Thanks.  

 

avanti1960
erik_squires
16,128 posts
 

It's not gain.  Too much gain usually causes noise.

erik_squires
16,128 posts
 

PS - This is exactly my complaint wiht Pass amps, always and forever. :)

 

The 26 dB of amplifier gain is the convention/standard.

pmm
233 posts
 

An indication of too much gain is how much you need to turn the volume knob to achieve room filling sound. Say, for example: some here, find their volume too loud, when the volume knob is at the 8 or 9 o`clock position.

Two ways to rectify this. One, send your preamp back to Cary, and have them change the gain of the preamp. The second, cheaper way, is to purchase inline attenuators and insert them at the amp inputs.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 

@pmm +1!

avanti1960 OP
1,480 posts
 

@pmm 

Thanks, how does using attenuators work better than using the level controls on the front of the Cary?  

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