2. amps-preamps
  3. 162308-1644

Amp-preamp mismatch?? result higher volume. What is rthe cause??

Several months ago, I changed amps from a BAT VK200  to a P.S. Audio S-300 amp. I also invested in a new interconnect, the Audience "Ono"  which replaced  a basic Harmonic Technology " Truth Link" which is used  now between the preamp and the CD player  The P.S. Audio amp is very dynamic  but also more forward, but not aggressive 


Pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14SE and which I like very much 9uses two tubes in the output stage.  The current combo of interconnects has sounded louder (and more forward in the midrange) at the same volume setting used before with the BAT amp  To its credit, the P.S, Audio provides better detail and depth in the midrange than former BAT amp  


So, is there an impedance mismatch between the power amp and pre-amp??   Or  is the increase in volume a consequence of a mismatch between the interconnects, either to the amp or the connection between the amp and pre-amp??


Please advise.

Thank you

S.J.

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by sunnyjim

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thank you to all have responded  The P.S. Audio S-300 has no volume pots on the back; I think the S-700 does. Nevertheless, the comments are useful, even the humorous one.  For the record, the C.J preamp's remote is graded 1 though 99. and is very smooth acting. Generally with the  BAT amp, I set the volume  at  50 which was fairly loud ( my speakers are the Golden Ear Technology model 7 whose efficiency is about 88-89 db)  With the PS Audio amp, I use the volume at about 44-46 on the remote to get approximately the same volume as with the BAT amp, depending on the recording.   The "number 11" setting would not wake up a mouse in the  underground garage (LOL)


Cheers and Happy holidays to all... 

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