2. amps-preamps
  3. 1167588872

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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 
all is needed here is a preamp with fine volume steps. Anything over 100 steps will give you a pretty good flexibility. As an aside, volume at 0 on some preamps does not mean volume off. You need to mute it. Such is the case with some ARC units. I had an LS-15 that was like that and now my LS-25 does that too. I wouldn't list it as an issue though. Once you get a preamp with nice volume control(if it has adjustable gain it is a plus) you will be fine.
Personally, I would avoid anything extra in the signal chain between preamp and amp, apart from your existing IC cable of course. No matter how tranparent they say it is.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
all is needed here is a preamp with fine volume steps
The issue is one of overall gain, not fine adjustment. As Tboooe states:
When I increase the volume knob just a tiny bit, the volume is VERY loud.
An attenuator is a non-intrusive fix for the problem, one that will still permit the signature of the Einstein to be heard. Having the gain reduced on the Einstein is an even purer solution, especially if you intend to keep it. Based upon your other thread, it sounds like you may be giving up on the Einstein due to the gain issue. If that is the case, you will have never heard what this preamp can do.

Just my two cents, before I drink myself silly tonight...on hot tea.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
sure you're using all the right tubes in the einstein?

what's the input impedance & sensitivity of your amp? i know people using 100k input impedance w/ the einstein w/ reasonably sensitive speakers that don't have the problem you describe. i don't have it either, and am using Mac 501s w/ 20k balanced input.

fwiw, i would not add anything in the signal path. the unit is terrific and you should try to avoid altering the signal path (but i also agree, it should be easy for a tech to correct in the einstein)
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 
Boa2, it has to do with gain as well, but if volume control allows for, say, 0.5db increments, this wouldn't be happening. BAT preamps have lots of steps in volume and will most likely be non-issue. So is the ARC Ref-3.

Tboooe, how many volume steps are there on "The Tube"?
What is the output gain of this preamp?
You may want to use this as a guideline for your future preamp. Compare these with ARC Ref-3 specs.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
zero should mean just that....
More to discover