2. amps-preamps
  3. 125173-4976

can you alter the gain of an amplifier?

I never use active preamps and prefer sources with built-in volume controls over passive preamps when possible.  I've had great success using cd players by Consonance, Theta, & OPPO directly in my amp(s) but find that sometimes, even with the volume full up, the sound level is just not loud enough.  With my big, solid state amps, I know I'm not out of power, just not enough gain (this was particularly problematic with an Aleph clone).  I was wondering if it's possible/feasible to alter the gain of an amp to achieve better results using a passive volume control or the on-board volume control in the source?  I won't be doing the work myself.  I just want to know if a decent repair/mod shop could make the alterations.  Thanks!
lcherepkai

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

The sources shouldn’t change as much the sound as the amps may, and they should be easier for him to do, if he knows his way around output buffer opamps on cdp’s. The tube output cdp will be a different animal,, but should also be doable. 

Cheers George

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Unfortunately there are no circuits online for any of these, but a good tech will be able to give you 6db of gain on any of these for 1hr’ish labour.

I would look at the source to increase the gain on (less feedback), as many are just opamp output and all that’s need is one small feedback resistor changed on each channel.

Doing the amps could result in sound change and or oscillations, if not monitored on the bench afterwards, saying that amps usually increase in stability with an increase in gain (less feedback)


Cheers George

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

It may be safer easier to up the gain on the output stage buffer of your source/s.

What amps do you have at the moment that you want to have more gain with?

Cheers George

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