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low volume from Coda csib. Any suggestions?

My speakers are Harbeth SHL5, which were previously driven by Musical Fidelity A3.2 (separate preamp and amp) of 150 WPC, and a volume at 10-15 then was generally good and loud enough to fill my room. However, for Coda csib I need to set to 50-60 to get the same level of volume as MF gives. I am afraid the low volume might not realize its full potential, but Harbeth SHL5 takes only 25 WPC, so I do not intend to turn Coda csib (400 WPC) too high in volume.

Coda csib also has a separate preamp output for a separate amplifier, so I hooked MF A3.2 amp to it. But the sound from this combo (Coda csib preamp+MF A3.2 amp) is equally low, so I guess it was not the problem of the amp part of Coda csib.

I own three other sets of pream/amp set, so setting up is not a problem for me, and the manual provided by Coda gives good instruction as well.

Does Coda csib take time to �break in� so far as volume is concerned? Does anyone have any suggestion on how I can rectify the problem of low volume? Or maybe Coda csib is not compatible with my Harbeth set (but it pairs very well with my other hifi equipments).
zhixiaolin

Showing 1 response by valinar

valinar
474 posts
 
The A3.2 volume control is either a potentiometer or of that nature. The CSiB volume control uses a digitally controlled attenuator. They are two different devices. Most probably your experience with the CSiB is working as designed. A few years back I went from a Musical Fidelity A308 integrated to a Simaudio i7 which has a volume control similar to your CSiB. I experienced the exact situation as you, and at first was a bit concerned. When I understood the difference in the nature of the two volume controls, I was at ease and enjoyed the i7. It, like your CSiB, would go a ways into the volume range before I heard what I considered a lower listening volume.
Call Coda to be sure, but this may be the way it is by design. The CSib is a fine amp made by a top notch company.
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