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.
The Cary is already producing the gain; attenuators can help push noise floor hiss (NOT hissy treble) down and enable more volume control range but OP didn't complain about those issues, and they likely won't do anything to address the reported sibilance. Getting a super-low output MC to force a "need" for the high gain is also unlikely to resolve the issue here. As OP reports clean smooth sound with XA25, he probably already has his answer - the Cary & X30.8 might just be a bad match. |
@stevehuff is running Cary SLP-05 with XA60.8 amps @avanti1960 may be worth reaching out to see if Steve observed something similar to what you’re running into. |
Evidently, those level controls on the front your pre are not helping. You have nothing to loose by buying a pair of Rothwell Attenuators and putting them in the inputs to your amp. As far as the sibiliance is concerned, try swapping tubes. Maybe, if you give Cary a call, they may give some advice on how to remedy the problem. This may be the best course of action. |
+1@pmm. When the (10dB) attenuator is used between the preamp and the power amp, quote (in Rothwell) "... not only is system gain reduced by 10dB but also the signal to noise ratio is improved by 10dB. This pushes the noise floor down enough to create an inky black silent background from which the music can emerge with better resolved fine detail and transparency. This applies to even very high-end and very expensive pre/power amps." end quote. Harrison Lab carries -12dB rca inline attenuator too and has good feedback but no xlr. Also, I have used the variable attenuator a bit more expensive though. |
After some interconnect cable swaps, using the single ended 17db output and adjusting the level controls on my preamp to 3/8 of a turn the sound is now very good and at times excellent. I have ordered a pair of Rothwell 10db balanced attenuators so I can use the balanced connections again and that should improve the sound even more. Thanks again for all suggestions. |
