2. amps-preamps
  3. 149355-1641

ARC ls 25 mkii cd/dac input too hot?

I have an Audio Research ls25 mk2 preamp and pass x250.5 amplifier. I have a Bryston bda-1 dac and Acurus acd11 CD player. When I listen to CDs and the recorded music gets louder, it sounds like the signal going into the preamp gets too hot creating a little distortion. I’ve tried a few different CD players, both connected directly to the preamp, as well as using them as transports through the dac. Both created the same issue. I don’t think I’ve noticed it when using the iMac as a source for the dac.... I’ll have to check that again.
I’ve had no problems when listening to records. The signal is definitely lower.

It seems like the output of the digital sources is too loud for the preamp. Does that make sense?
tripg

Showing 4 responses by tripg

tripg OP
21 posts
 
Andirocks, yes. I have them at the lowest setting. 
tripg OP
21 posts
 
Monoogan,
I’m pretty sure the balanced/se switch is in the correct position, but I’ll double check. I’ve made that mistake before. 
Thanks!
tripg OP
21 posts
 
Adg101,
the Bryston is connected with balanced cables and, as you mentioned the CD players, when connected directly, were single ended cables.
I’ll try your suggestions about trying single ended cables on both the Bryston and the amplifier. 
I should have thought to mention I got the same distortion through the headphone amplifier. Supports the theory the issue is the preamp, and/or it’s relationship to the digital sources.
The tubes are fairly new but I do wonder if they might be the problem.
thanks for your advice!
tripg OP
21 posts
 
Lowrider57, CDs don’t sound harsh. It’s just during dynamic peaks in the music. I’ll try the cheater plug and see if it changes anything. Thanks for the suggestion!
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