All amps run at "full power" once you are beyond the volume control. This is fairly obvious if your power amp is separate from your preamp, but even integrated amps do this. It is just that the connection between the preamp and power amp sections is buried inside a single case. So, there is no harm in turning the volume knob on your Theta all the way up and controlling the volume with your external passive pre as this is exactly the same thing you'd be doing if the Theta didn't have its own knob.
Class A Tube integrated amp running 100% volume
Hi, has anyone tried this?
I have a Theta DAC, passive pre-amp and a prototype Class A 2A3 integrated amp (all tube from PSU through to output transformers). The amp sounds great but due to it being a prototype has a volume pot and switch that (let's be kind) aren't the best (and creaky). If I plug in my passive pre (with switched resistors) and have the volume on the integrated at 100%, the sound quality is elevated brilliantly. Now, obvious question. Am I damaging my amp running at 100% volume even though my pre-amp is attenuating?
Thank you for your help in what might seem a really dumb question.