Einstein The Tube users...help

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.

zero should mean just that....

Hey guys, happy new year and thanks for the reponses.

Boa2, I have not yet given up on the Einstein but I am cnnsidering my other options (it is a $14K preamp!!). Though the BAT does offer volume offsets which I like.

Rhyno, I am not sure I understand what you mean by using the right tubes? I just plugged my inputs into the XLR inputs and my output into the XLR outputs. As for my amps, they have 26db gain and an input impedance 22K0hm.

Audphile1, I have no idea about the volume steps. There is very little info about it on the web.

the unit uses 1 12UA7, and 18 of the 6922s. i'd confirm that the tubes spec'd are in there, that you have the problem regardless of source selected, and also if you have it on both RCA and XLR outputs.

the einstein doesn't have volume steps; its a continuous attenuator (not a ladder or shunt)

As for my amps, they have 26db gain and an input impedance 22K0hm.

From the PS Audio website:
"No tube preamp should be asked to drive an input impedance of less than 30K..."

Take it for what it's worth, but I've just gone through the same thing as you are. We all know tube preamps can work with SS amps, and yet yours is in need of a gain reduction, simple as that. If you try out other preamps that do not have gain adjustability, you are likely to encounter the same issue. Thankfully, it's an easy fix.