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AR SP8 mk2 high output volume

Hello everyone, thank you for accepting me in this group. I have my AR  SP 8 mk2 preamplifier and I would like to know your opinion and if you consider its high output volume a problem with this power amp. Problem is the volume control is too low,  Very sensitive amp. I can't use much volume control.Does this affect the signal quality or is it just a drawback?I just want to know if it's something I need to worry about.

here I put the specifications of the power amp Puresound A30
ower output (Class A operation) 30 Watts/ch Ultra Linear, 18 Watts/ch Triode Coupled
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz -0.25 to -0.3 dB
THD 0,3%
Input Impedance 100 KOhm
S/N ratio 88 dB
Input sensitivity for 0dB 100 mV
Power Consumption 260 Watts
Net Weight 28 Kg
Dimensions (mm) 436 W x 360 D x 190 H
Inputs 3. Line Level
Outputs 4 & 8 Ohm
tenoris
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The worst area of rolloff is typically around the middle of the control range
That will be for linear pots, with logarithmic pots it’s more like 1-2 o’clock as we have here with a 100kohm "A" taper pot. If this amp were to used as a poweramp, it would be better for the volume control to be removed and a 100kohm resistor in it’s place to ground, and the gain dropped by 50% by a tech, Then there will be no series resistance causing any HF filtering. And a + could very well be a tighter bass with lower gain/higher feedback, which was it’s only area of question in reviews.
"beautiful sound with minimal distortion, but not too well-controlled bass"  

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Just found this, the newer Puresound A30R model which among other things like 2 power tranies, now also sports a new 4th input call "fixed"
This suggests to me now it can be used as a "proper poweramp" with the volume control and input switching out of circuit when the "fixed input" is used by another preamp or sources with volume control.
https://ibb.co/J7fFmwm

Cheers George
tenoris OP
15 posts
 
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..
tenoris OP
15 posts
 
@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

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


@Georgehifi do not see in any review of the A30 R what you comment as a novelty

https://ibb.co/J7fFmwm

Puresound A30R https://ibb.co/mX2M6CM
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