AR SP8 mk2 high output volume

in fact I made that query, and it was not me who began to question about the possible degradation of the signal because we are talking about an integrated amplifier. I think is you who does not mind looking at what is said here, because here more things are being said than what you say.

I just received a direct response from the creator of the A30 Guy Sergeant, who had asked this question about the signal degradation when you use the potentiometer of the device as a power amp.

This is what he said:

If you use the potentiometer at full or nearly full that effectively takes it out of circuit. It presents a high resistance (100 Kohm) so the signal takes the easier path into the amplfier itself.

@georgehifi Do you think I'm lying when I say that I like what I hear when I connect the AR? It's very easy for me to use the A30 as a built-in amplifier and keep the AR as a collector's item. Can I also buy a Dac with variable output or does this also contradict Nelson's Bible?

What is evident is that there is a discrepancy between people who, like you, are interested in helping and I am grateful. You affirm that using two potentiometers compromises quality but does not say to what extent it compromises it, or what should I hear anomalous as a consequence of that.
I remind you that the origin of this problem is that Guy Sergeant, the manufacturer of the A30, has put in his instruction book that this integrated amplifier can function as an EXCELLENT power amp, just by setting the potentiometer of the device to the maximum. This gives me to understand that if there is any compromise with the quality of the signal, it may be minimal.
Grateful for your help, but not for repeating the same thing many times, it becomes more true.

Thank you very much for these answers, they are very useful!

@atmósfera@atmósfera I am using the Puresound A30 as a power amp because it is a possible option and so indicated by the manufacturer.
As @imhififan indicates, I'm going to try to attenuate the A30's volume control.
On the other hand ; what do you think of the Rothwell attenuators? For their price I think they deserve a test.

.Since we are somehow allowing some signal degradation by using both volume controllers, I wonder if it doesn't matter if the Puresound's volume is located in one place or another.

@Georgehifi  do not see in any review of the A30 R what you comment as a novelty. In fact, now a remote control is incorporated and it is expressly said that it can function as an excellent power amp by raising the potentiometer to the maximumIgehifi

New Features (from original A30)

⦁ Twin power transformers for cooler operation and reduced noise floor

⦁ Output transformers have improved laminate material/windings for greater bandwidth

⦁ Remote controlled volume control and mute

⦁ Luxurious high gloss black finish

⦁ Updated styling

Thank you all very much for these valuable contributions.
@atmósfera the one hand it seems good news that the passive attenuator of the A30 does not degrade the signal, but what I do not understand is your question because it seems that the AR is not fulfilling its function as a preamplifier. I gather this because you ask me strangely if I notice any improvement. Is it that the AR is not fulfilling its function like any other preamplifier?
The Puresound as integrated works quite well but when I put the AR I notice a plus in terms of presence and forcefulness of the music

I have just tried to use the Puresound attenuation as you have indicated and the result is quite satisfactory, with this volume at 1:00, I can have a tour in the AR between 10 and 11 as a high volume level

Thank you all very much, you are very kind. Let's see, I'm using the A30 as a power amp because I have tried this option and have noticed improvements in the scene and in the sound presentation. I know two more people who also do it with satisfactory results. My ears do not perceive degradation, although this does not mean that there is not. Undoubtedly both devices are very good separately and I like to have them, I will try with the Aux input but I am afraid that they are all the same and the manufacturer does not indicate anything about it, only says that the A30 can work as an excellent power amp, which I hints that the AR could be a travel companion.

@georgehifi thank you very much for your advice. If you take it to a technician, you could also complete the operation by reducing the gain at any of the Puresound inputs.As I have already mentioned, I have followed the manufacturer’s instructions, which in the Puresound instruction book says not only that it can work as a power amp but that it can also do it in an excellent way, textual words.

@audite84 with the volume of the Puresound at maximum it continues to work, so I do not understand why if we put it at 1 there is more degradation of the signal. It is true that if the manufacturer indicates this, this reason must exist, except that it is written thinking that most of the current preamplifiers need more volume.

@Georgehifi I will not make decisions because they are necessary to respect the Nelson Pass Bible. In hifi there are many factors at play and I believe that Nelson Pass will be compassionate if in my house I am satisfied with a result that alters one of his commandments, and that according to other colleagues are saying, and according to what I am listening it is perfectly audible and satisfactory by the reasons being said. I respect your reasoning, but It is much easier than going to a technician and if we add everything that includes the sum of factors that influence the final result, it would be necessary to be very sure that this Nelson Pass mandate prevails over all other factors and responds to a perfectly palpable injury from my chair.
if this AR + Puresound A30 set won’t sound very good to my ears, I wouldn’t have worried about excess gain at all. thanks really for your help

Have they told me? Yes, there have been different opinions and arguments, all very valuable. You had your answer and others theirs. But I’m not going to apologize for this ...... it’s a forum DISCUSSION.. if you feel dizzy stop following.

Thanks again for your contributions. I just ran a new test with the A30 working as an integrated amp and I certainly like it better when I put the AR SP 8 on. All sound becomes bigger and more controlled..