The gain on the K5 is 10 db in balanced mode and 4 db in unbalanced mode. The Ayre products are intended to be used in a full balanced system to obtain the best performance and the 4 db on the unbalanced are on the very low side of gain.
10 db are enough with most of the power amp and, of course, more than enough when you use an Ayre power amp. And yes, if you compare the K5 with a preamp with more gain the volume level have to be higher.
Regards
10 db are enough with most of the power amp and, of course, more than enough when you use an Ayre power amp. And yes, if you compare the K5 with a preamp with more gain the volume level have to be higher.
Regards