2. amps-preamps
  3. 127164-5938

Mismatched preamp and CD player?

My system is Adcom GTP-500, GFA-555 and MMGs. An Onix XCD-88 and Denon DCM-280 take care of the CD side.

I cannot turn the volume on the preamp above 8 o’clock comfortably and 9 o’clock drives me from the room (7 o'clock is full off with 5 o'clock full on) . The problem is much more noticable on the Onix than the Denon, but neither is desirable. Research suggests this is due to a mismatch of the CD player output level and the preamp input sensitivity. How can I confirm this is the case, and what can I do about it if true? Are there other causes I should be looking into?

Thanks in advance for your responses.
kythyn

Showing 6 responses by kythyn

kythyn OP
58 posts
 
George, 

Thanks for the quick response.  Looks like the right solution, but I need some education if you can.

What is likely causing too much system gain?  This gear has been used together before (not the MMGs but other Maggies) and I don't recall the problem.

With the SYS, it looks like I can use both CD players (the Denon is a 5 CD player for lazy listening).  If I only use one of the CD players (the XCD-88) could I somehow use the phono stage of the Adcom GTP-500?

Thanks again

Dan


kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Yogiboy,

Thanks for the solution. Do those go between the CD player and the preamp or between preamp and amp?


Dan
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
jafant - That seems to be the consensus, but I don’t understand why? This same gear has driven Magnepan 3.6s (10years ago) and I don’t recall the issue coming up.

George - I don't suppose placing the SYS between the CD players and the Adcom preamp would address the problem and allow me to use the phono stage of the preamp for a turntable?
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Thanks to all of you for your patience and knowledge.

So let's see if I have this right.

Onix XCD-88 goes into one of the two inputs on the SYS.  The tape out on the Adcom preamp goes into the other input on the SYS.  The output of the SYS goes to the Adcom amp?  Can the SYS sit on top of the amp as the preamp was originally designed to do?

If I decide to add a turntable, the turntable goes into the phono section of the preamp.  Will selecting tape out on the preamp send the phono output to the SYS and then onto the amp?
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Kalali - 

As it turns out, that is exactly what I expect to do. The CD player will be one of two primary inputs with a wireless/DAC combination the other.  Just have to decide what Wireless/Dac combination makes the most sense.  Looking at the Audioengine products now.
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Thank you for the additional options.

Having been educated about vinyl and CDs, I am now considering ripping my small CD collection to my computer and adding a DAC (bifrost?) to the SYS, removing the CD players and GTP-500 altogether.  New music would be streamed or downloaded.

Just have to figure out how to get the signal across the room from the PC to the DAC (could be as much as 22 feet)
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