2. amps-preamps
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Preamp - 18 dB Gain too low?

Being a newbie to audio stuff, I'd like to hear your opinion whether should I replace my preamp. To get to a reasonable loud volume, my preamp has to be at around 1PM to 2PM position for most of CD and music DVD. Should I get another preamp with higher gain? If so how much more? Why don't the manufacturers make higher gain? Probably some sonic compromise with high gain active preamp?

Any suggestions are welcomed.

Preamp: Conrad Johnson PV-10AL, gain 18 dB.
Amp: Shuguang S845MK (tube amp 848)
Speakers: Tekton Lore (Sensitivity 98 dB)
Room: 25 x 17 x 8'
nguyen787
intactaudio
293 posts
 
Hey,

'between 3-5pm' are just arbitrary numbers and without seeing an actual attenuation plot vs. knob rotation of the LDR, you really don't know that much. Also seeing an input and output impedance plot of the device WRT attenuation would be needed to see if any red flags go up.

dave
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Nguyen hi, just looking at the factory specs for your 845 amps they are very sensitive at There is something not right with your system as Red Book standard for cdp is 2v out and most are higher than this so your Lightspeed should be below half way. What is your cd or source (has it been modded?) please give model no's

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Sorry a line was left out above
Nguyen hi, just looking at the factory specs for your 845 amps they are very sensitive at
Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Still no good here it is again.

Nguyen hi, just looking at the factory specs for your 845 amps they are very sensitive at less than 1v for full output.
There is something not right with your system as Red Book standard for cdp is 2v out and most are higher than this so your Lightspeed should be below half way. What is your cd or source (has it been modded?) please give model no's

Cheers George
nguyen787 OP
52 posts
 
The source is Oppo BDP 103.

The amp spec is confusing because the website and the manual state two different spec:

Grant Fidelity website
Output power: 25w
Response: 10Hz to 30KHz
SNR: ≥85dB
THD: ≤1.0%
Input sensitivity: ≤1.0V
Output impedance: 4Ω, 8Ω
Tubes: Standard Shuguang 845B×1, 300B-98 x 1, 6SN7GT ×1 per amp

Manual:
Input impedance: 100kohm
Input Power Voltage: 4.0V
Output Power：28W
Output impedance: 4、8Ω
Frequency Response: 10Hz-30KHz
THD: less than 1.5%
S/N Ratio：85dB
Power supply：AC 115V 60Hz
Power consumption: 170w per channel

Not sure what to believe.
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