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Einstein The Tube users...help

Hi, I am auditioning this great preamp. The sound is incredible! However, I am having serious issues with the gain. Even with the volume turned all the way to 0, I can hear music playing through my speakers. When I increase the volume knob just a tiny bit, the volume is VERY loud. This problem is present on all the inputs. I have tried different sources as well with the same result. This problem is making the preamp unusable for me which is a shame because it does sound GREAT. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
128x128tboooe
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW, the problem you are describing is not unusual for many tube pre-amps. They are only part of the problem. The real problem is the input sensitivity on your amp is too high. What is really nice is to have an pre-amp, like several of the ARC units, which have various gain selections and you can select a 'low gain' setting which gives you better volume attenuator. This little detail isn't going to make your life any easier. :-)
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Thanks newbee. I am a newbie (sorry I couldnt resist) to the world of tubes. I guess the input sensitivity of my Pass XA is too high? I am going to check with Pass. BTW, what is a "normal" input sensitivity for a ss amp?
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
What Newbee means to say is the input sensitivity to your amps is too LOW for your Einstein. Pass would likely suggest that it's just perfect for their preamps, and they would be correct in saying so. The answer is to either buy/make a fixed or stepped attenuator to place between your preamp & amp, or if you are to keep the Einstein, have ITS gain lowered. That is an amazing preamp, one I would certainly keep, and your issue is easily remedied.
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