2. amps-preamps
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Different gain on 2 amps.

I never posted before. OK, here's the deal. I have a new VAC preamp that has no tape monitor output. Only outputs are after the volume control. I want to feed the output of the preamp into 2 separate amplifiers. One to feed my listening room speakers, and the other to feed a second power amp to drive some nice MB Quart speakers in my kitchen. I have done this before using the tape monitor out to a second preamp, then to the second amp and on to the kitchen. Separate volume controls, no sweat. 
Now I have a very nice VAC Phi 200 tube power amp for the listening room. Gain is 37 DB for Single  ended RCA's. The other amp for the kitchen is a solid state CJ amp with a gain of 27. So I connected these 2 amps to the 2 outputs from the VAC preamp. Everything works, except the volume in the listening room is way louder due to the difference in gain of the 2 amps.   As we all know, putting the signal into another preamp is no help.
2 questions:

1. Any ideas on how I can boost up the preamp output from the VAC preamp to the CJ power amp so as to equalize the volumes in both rooms? 

2. Anyone know a reasonably priced amp with a gain of 37 or close to that?  
BTW, I don't/can't just buy another VAC tube amp for the kitchen. Way too big, way too expensive. 
otto1234
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
1. Any ideas on how I can boost up the preamp output from the VAC preamp to the CJ power amp so as to equalize the volumes in both rooms?
Like I said put a Schiit Sys passive on the amp/speakers that's loudest, and drive the passive with the Vac pre, so you can equalize both when driven by the Vac pre. 

Cheers George
erik_squires
16,016 posts
 
I should have asked that. What IS your source anyway?

You would find a much easier time with a Roon enabled player or something that had nothing to do with your main pre-amp/amplifier. at all.

I use this kind of arrangement with Logitech Media Server. I can keep the music in sync in my living room and home office digitally.

Best,

Erik
otto1234 OP
3 posts
 
Front end: My source the VAC phono stage included in the Ren 5 preamp. I have an SME model 10 table with a series V tonearm and a second arm which is a 309.  Ortofon MC Anna Cartridge on one arm and a Kiseki Purple Heart on the other.  Analog all the way. 1200 vinyl records. I must point out that I love to cook (is that so wrong?) so I want, must have, good sound in the kitchen. I like to make rack of lamb with Pinot Noir sauce. The sauce takes one hour to make, mostly stirring. Jazz, classical and great vinyl rock. For me, good sound in the kitchen is a big deal. 
czarivey
5,940 posts
 
I saw on ebay Otari MX 5050 BII preamp unit only for low $1xx with shipping.
It has tape loop you can use between your 2 systems out of one source.
This preamp section is fully balanced.
otto1234 OP
3 posts
 
Wow!  Thanks. I'll check it out.  
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