Not ENOUGH GAIN

A pre-amplifier's amplifying section comes after the volume control and is always seen by the amp at its full output (gain).

Very often the case, but I can think of two manufacturers that implement the volume control after the gain section of the preamp and at the output.

Clio, I'm sure you are right, but I don't understand the value of such an arrangement unless you are using an attenuator with fixed impedance values so the impedance value seen by the amp is constant. Is that not why most amplifying sections come after the attenuator?

I guess in hog heaven an attenuator with fixed impedance values coming after the preamp' amplifying section could be optimum as it would not only control volume it would lower the pre-amps noise level as seen by the amp something of much value and could also make interface with various amp input sensitivity levels more efficiently. No more problem with high gain pre-amps and high sensitivity amp inputs, a common real problem. Keeps Rothwell busy I think.

Do you know why they actually use such a configuration? Do you know why they don't?

Onhwy61, Yes that makes sense,I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give me there advise,everything sounds great and is working as it should,just not use to having gain at the end of the vc.Thank you Maxwell

Why does it matter if the volume knob is set at 7? 7 is completely arbitrary.

Assuming your source has a fairly normal output voltage, your preamp should have plenty of gain to drive your amplifier to full power.

The real question is, at maximum volume, is your amp + preamp combination able to drive the speakers to the loudest you ever care to listen to?

If so, there is no problem.

> And to answer clio09 I have not tried it all the
> way to full open yet.

So ... you can turn it to 8, 9, 10, 11, etc and presumably play louder and you haven't? If you want it to play louder, turn it up. There's nothing special about 7. And there's nothing harmful about turning it to 8.

The Grounded Grid just has a different gain structure than you've been previously familiar. If you can play as loudly as you can possibly stand, then you're golden.

Personally, I'd love to have as much range of volume control as you seem to have. What you have now is fine grained control over your volume -- that's awesome.