2. amps-preamps
  3. 1249244359

Can you lower gain requirements on tube amp?

I have a Cary Rocket 88R tube amp (30w tri/60w UL) that requires more gain then I'm used to to get to 'realistic' (ie louder) listening levels (90db+). I have a Promitheus Ref4 TVC passive that I love, but volume knobs at full throttle sometimes still isn't loud enough. I literally need it go to 11.

Specs on the TVC state -48db to 0. I'm curious if I can do something to the amp, ie roll different driver tubes or??.... to decrease the gain requirements? I've also contacted Nicholas at Promitheus to see if he can modify the gain, haven't heard back yet.

I will also state that my speakers are Usher 6381 rated at 87db/8 ohm. The Cary drives them well, but wondering if the speakers sensitivity relates to loudness (ie more sensitive speakers would generate more loudness at the same volume settings?)

I don't want to introduce a tubed buffer into the mix -- tried it and didn't like the sound. Want to work with what I have if possible. Thanks

FYI tubes in the Cary are:
kt-88 output
12BZ7 / 12AX7 / 12AY7 drivers (currently using 12BZ7)
EL-84 / 6BQ5 current source
tholt

Showing 2 responses by rodman99999

rodman99999
6,033 posts
 
Your only option, if you want to continue using the equipment mentioned, is to up the output voltage of your source(which you didn't mention). Do you find that some of your recorded material provides adequate SPLs? There's a wide disparity in recording levels between various labels/engineers, and that will affect what reaches the Cary's inputs. The output of the Rocket 88 isn't really enough to drive an 87db system to what I'd consider high SPLs anyway. I owned one(tried it with a Placette Passive Linestage) and, if they could be easily converted to higher powered monoblocks: I'd have a pair.
rodman99999
6,033 posts
 
Hi Tholt- Your CDP's voltage output depends on the recording level of the disc being played. Some aren't putting out enough to adequately drive your system. I REALLY enjoyed my Placette Passive with certain discs. Others just didn't get it. That's why most listeners employ preamps rather than passive linestages or attenuators. Many sources need the gain that a preamplifier provides to satisfy the listener's SPL appetite. YES- More sensitive speakers would compensate for the lowered system output levels of those recordings(they'd play louder with same wattage).
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