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Configuration Questions

My system comprises a Musical Fidelity B1 integrated amp, a pair of B&W DM 610i's, and a Cambridge Audio DacMagic.

I love my amp but it hasn't a volume control, so I purchased a Creek OBH-10 preamp with volume control. So now I have DacMagic --> Creek Preamp --> Musical Fidelity integrated amp.

Here's the question: what is the best way to use the integrated and the preamp together? I'm currently using the CD input, setting the volume on the integrated amp at about as high of a volume as I would ordinarily listen (somewhere about 1.5/10) and then am using the upper end of the preamp volume range. Does this make sense? Is there a better way to do this?

Thank you for reading.
music_prof
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I do not understand your post. If it is an integrated amp then it has a volume control; what is it you are setting at 1.5 if not a volume control? Why do you need to use 2 preamps; that is what you are doing? Do you mean it does not have a REMOTE volume control? In theory you should open one volume control all the way as that takes it out of the circuit to a great degree. In practice results will vary with the gear involved. If the pre has a remote I would try the int. vol. control wide open and start the Creek at the bottom and see how this works but as I say do it the way YOU think sounds best. All line level inputs on the MF SHOULD be the same so you could use any but the phono input if it has one. I use to sell A-1s but it was long ago and far away.
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
682 posts
 
Please check you MF piece again, sounds like you have a MF power amp and not an integrated amp, unless your B1 is missing the volume control...I had a MF B1 for a very short time
music_prof OP
46 posts
 
I'm sorry--I'm adding the Creek preamp solely for the remote control. The B1 is indeed an integrated amp.

So the question, then, what is the best volume configuration. If the B1 is cranked full open, that would result in background noise to some degree.

I'm not sure about behavior of the so-called passive preamps; do they like operating at the higher volume level or no? Also, what does that mean for the signal that sends to the B1 amp?
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