2. amps-preamps
  3. 1284908457

How Much Preamp Gain is Too Much?

In the age of the CD player, how much preamp gain is too much? Since a CD player has enough voltage to drive almost any power amp, why do I continue to see preamps with what would appear to be quite a bit of gain? While I do not prefer having a player with an integrated volume control, all that seems to be needed between a player and a power amp is a quality volume control (i.e. a passive preamp). I have heard that passive units tend to cause a lack in dynamics (in comparison to systems employing an active preamp). I cannot imagine that this would be true in all cases.

I have a Canary Audio CA-200 passive on the way. However, I also like the idea of putting tubes in front of my B&K Reference 200.2 power amp. I have the Quicksilver Line Stage (non-remote version) in mind. The Quicksilver seems like a nice piece. How will its gain affect my system? Since I listen at lower levels, I imagine I will be in the lower portion of the volume control (where a volume control tends to be less linear). I welcome any comments.

Thanks.
gtortorella
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
Thanks, Herman...Indeed, I wanted reassurance from other audiophiles. I cannot fathom why there are so many active preamps out there--and so few choices for a passive unit. The logic has been "staring me in the face" for a while, but I guess it took time to find the right passive at the right price.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
Thats a good ?,I have the perfect storm when i bought a used Counterpoint Solid 8 a ,speakers 90 sen, 6 ohm cd player 2.5 v,amp has 30 gain i think,bought attenuators to use on cd player by 12 db,which pretty much helps out,not as much gain lowered as i thought would be but enough.,
Now i could get a manual from counterpoint but i'm not paying 80 bucks for it .What makes it worse i was never able to even determine if my pre has gain switches in it.,A counterpoint on ebay right now has pics of a solid 8,on the circuit board you can see clearly where this pre has gain switchs,now my pre the solid 8 a has absolutely nothing whatsoever as having gain switches inside from what i can see,thus another reason to not fork over 80 for a manual,
I've noticed and i could be wrong but i thought i saw a Ayre cd player that has 4.5 v,why on earth would this be?
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
I actually had a TVC built for me that using Magnequest step DOWN transformers to tame the gain issue with my cd player and amps. A fantastic soultion indeed. It is also switchable to a resistive passive using a DACT attenuator in case I needed additional gain/voltage from the CD player (never did). This is the only one of its kind I have ever seen or heard.

This is just sitting around collecting dust right now since I have an integrated amp in the system. Shoot me an email if you (or anyone else reading this thread in the USA - good feedback necessary) would like to try it out no strings attached (other than you pay shipping both ways). It is small so it would easily fit well packed into a USPS medium flat rate box which I think is under $12 one way.

Let me know if you would like to hear it in your system.

Jeff
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