2. amps-preamps
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Gain / Amplification

Ok, dumb question maybe….maybe the more troll-like members could chill on this one.    I was just wondering, is there likely a quality-of-sound difference between utilizing maximum gain (say, out of a CD player, to keep it a simple scenario) and needing much less amplification from your amp, or is it in any way different to set your CD gain/output volume at a lower level and let your amp do its job?   Let’s say balanced connections, so that’s added gain as well.    
Question just kind of occurred to me when I fired up my Oppo for first time in awhile and it was **LOUD**.   Which is not an issue, I was just wondering, circuit design-wise and engineering-wise, should one or the other provide a better sound ?

 

JH

jhajeski

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,214 posts
 

It’s about matching the volume of various inputs so you do not need to adjust the master volume much, certainly avoid any loud jump from an input change

Often you are talking about more or less attenuation rather than gain.

Much equipment, like my McIntosh Preamps SS C28 and Tube mx110z have ’trim’ controls for the phono and aux inputs to match them to each other. They were located near the front on the top, you pull the unit forward a few inches, adjust them and push the unit all the way back.

My Tandberg Receiver had trim controls in the back.

Any unit I have had, like Onkyo DX-7500 CD Player

https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/onkyo-dx-7500-430.html

had 3 outputs, rca; direct; and variable. I couldn’t hear any difference, neither could my friends.

Likewise, I had 3 oppos, and the output variations sounded the same to me. Turning off the display may be measureable on the bench i.e. .00002, but its marketing IMO.

 

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