Amplifier knobs...where to "set" on the clock?


Here is a question that has idled in my head for years...

I have a 1983 M-70 Yamaha separate amplifier...paired with a C-70 pre. On the front of the M-70 are two sets of knobs for output...for the A and B speakers. I have never been sure on where to place the output line...as if on a clock.  A  "tech" friend told me that the knobs should be at straight-up "noon"...(not wide-open at 5:00)  He saying the reason: "Let the preamp do all of the work". Then, I asked the tech who serviced the M-70 and C-70 years later and he told me the knobs should be "wide open" at 5:00. no reason, except that is where they should be set.

Hmmm.

What do the fine people here at Audiogon say to those two opposing opinions?

What a hobby!

Thank you in advance.

vinylspin
vinylspin

Showing 3 responses by vinylspin

Thank you all for lending your support and advice.  And...since this hobby is fluid and subject to many factors...real or not...including whims and perceptions...please indulge me as I am going to ramble here...in a kind of free-verse-stream-of-consciousness.

I have made a decision to relegate my Yamaha M-70 and C-70 to the second tier position... The separates are beginning to show their age and almost begging to be retired. The right channel is producing less than the left...and I am not going to sink any more loot into the pair.

I am currently using a cheaper and albeit newer Onkyo 50 x 2 TX 8211 receiver.  And...it is a respectable unit...it is sounding better than the Yamaha pair.  I have pulled my Luxman equalizer out of mothballs and fiddled with the settings to give it some acceptable and respectable sonic credibility. 

What is funny about my re-coned Cerwin Vega D-8's... back in 1983, they sold for $800.00 a pair...which is $2,135.00 today.  I noted that an observation made here in the forum told me that my high efficiency (101 db) CV's and 200 x 2 amp were mismatched...not allowing the preamp to perform at its best.  And...since the specs are in question from 1983.. I cannot figure on how to set the gain on the Yamaha M-70.  Since I will always go for high sensitivity speakers (preferably Heritage Klipsch)...I think that a lower wattage amp would be better to have. I am done with the Yamaha pair...though bck in the day...very respectable.

I am looking at the Hana $1200.00 cart. Then that begs the question as to whether I also upgrade my 50 year old Dual 1219.

Yes...this is an expensive hobby... and full of choices...each product basically  has an "upside" and a "downside". For instance...low sensitivity speakers need more power to run...yet,  usually create more lower-end bass.  And...Moving Magnet carts have less detail than Moving Coil...yet MM have what could be considered more "punch".  Upgrading is a puzzle...which makes this hobby so much fun...when all of the stars line up.

What a fascinating hobby.

If you've managed to make it this far in my self-indulgent diatribe / ramblings...thank you.

vinylspin
Speakermaster...thank you...

With your advice...  To me...that would suggest that perhaps since I have a VERY efficient set of Cerwin Vega speakers...101db...Perhaps I should consider backing the gain off a tad...maybe from Full-On 5:00 to 3:00?  allowing the preamp to "breathe" a bit? Am I making sense?

Also...hobo1452...thank you
With your advice...to me...it suggests one of the reasons for the gain control at all is about a high wattage amplifier not over powering and "cooking" a vulnerable set of speakers... i can customize the output safefly and correctly...while still allowing the preamp to do its job.  Am I making sense?
vinylspin
Thank you so much all... 

I know I am getting quality feedback (pardon the pun) because I have needed to reread the answers numerous times; why above my pay grade knowledge wise. but, I thoroughly get the gist of where I need to be with my Yamaha gear

I have maxed out the knobs to 5:00...

Since the Cerwin Vegas are rated with sensitivity 101db and the amp is rated at 200wpc I am truly cooking sonically with the volume at 7:30.  My ears are not trained or equipped to officially or  "technically" discern better sound...but whether it is the power-of-suggestion, or not... I think I can sense the sound has a bit more upfront punch...some warmth...allowing the vinyl to work well and sound good.

Listening to Petty.  With the gain adjustment...it seems that the muddy, sloppy and BIG "Dance floor'" CV D-8's are a bit clearer and cleaner. and they can stay.  I did want to move into the Klipsch range of speakers...Forte, Heresy, etc or their "flagship" towers the RF 7 lll.  

Because of my loot...I think my next step will have to be the cartridge.  Moving away from the Grado Platimum 1...into possibly a Hana MH or Hana ML...either the high or low output. Likely the high output to be able to stay with my MM Cambridge Solo Phono Stage.

The good news...I do have very quiet fans pulling warm air out and up from the amp and pre... I have heard these units can have a tendency to run a bit warm.  

Anyway...  What a hobby.

Thank you all again.

Sincerely,

vinylspin