2. amps-preamps
  3. 1260713210

cd player + preamp = too much gain

My cd player is 2vrms output, preamp is 30dB gain and I can barely listen at low volumes without it being too loud.

I have tried in-line attenuators to no avail (the sound deteriorated noticeably) and also replaced the 12AX7 and 12AX7 pairs with lower gain tubes...still no major improvements.

Are there any options left?
bleoberis
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
Thanks Al - not sure if I'll fork out more $$ to do that test! Might just get a passive volume control and leave it set at a certain level, at least this may save the experimentation with different in-line attenuators.

Any idea as to what manufacturers have a good reputation for not altering sound too much?
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
Go to CIaudio.com and check out the VPC-3. I have the same problem and this takes care of it with no sonic degradation. You'll need another set of interconnects to put it between your CDP and preamp.
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
nifty machine, functions as a switch box too - have configured yours for non-variable outpout?
Post removed 
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
hi Bob - yeah I really didn't like them. Still searching for another way...might just ditch the preamp and get the Lightspeed Passive ... seems a good option....
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