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Audiophile Loudness Wars—Too Much again!?

Obviously a huge chunk of popular western music has been involved in the loudness wars of the recording industry. But do we now have Hifi loudness wars? Sometimes I look at or try out new pieces, and think audio designers are putting too much gain in our preamps, amps, and DACs. Or am I off here? You won’t hurt my feelings.
I’m getting a sense that lots of gear falls over the side of center towards higher gain.

Hey, it happens to me! You can’t edit titles. It’s supposed to be “too much gain”.
128x128jbhiller

Showing 3 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,445 posts
 
Yes, and I wish I had a dollar for all the times people tell me, well buy a preamp with gain adjustment.  Sure, they exist but I don't think even premium ubiquitous brands, like Audio Research, offer the feature. 

The digital side is horrendous in my view.  Who needs all this gain? 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,445 posts
 
Agreed jtcf.   I just put 12au7s across V1-V8 in my tube DAC, which specifies 12ax7s and 12at7s.  I dislike messing with what the designer intended but I have gain coming out my ears over here. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,445 posts
 
+1 itsjustme.  
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