2. amps-preamps
  3. 187649-176074

Preamp Gain issues with high efficiency speakers

Hey all,

Been having a hard time with my system lately.

I recently got a pair of Zu Soul 6 that are 100db efficient. My power amp is a Conrad Johnson Premier 11 (70wpc) and my Preamp is a Conrad Johnson ET3-SE that has 25db of gain. Source is a streamer (PI2AES) with Denafrips Pontus II DAC, but it is the same regardless of source.

My issue is that even at 1 out of 100 on my preamp, the volume is still quite loud. If I were to turn it up to 30, I would be well north of 95db.

Due to a new baby, most of my listening is at low volumes.

I have been using in line attenuators but I feel like it adds a slight veil to the sound of the music.

I swapped out my Preamp for a Schit Sys passive pre and I could only turn the knob to maybe 7 or 8 pm before it was LOUD. I figured with a passive no gain pre I would be able to have more control over the volume, but this was not the case.

Is this Amp just a bad match for my speakers? I have read that it is better to have your pre running closer to 40-70% so that you are not attenuating the signal too much but I can barely get it to 5-10% before its quite loud.

Any insight, recommendations would be appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mstrshikadance

Showing 4 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,194 posts
 

Happily, you have remote volume, AND remote balance for that Preamp, a desirable feature in any case, refine any volume control you add 

Niles Speaker Selector boxes are high quality

 

this one looks like standard component width

 

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,194 posts
 

this has 5 way posts, independent L and R

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,194 posts
 

moderator: this is NOT spam

5 way binding posts

 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,194 posts
 

It would be absurd IMO to change the speakers, preamp, amp now.

When you tame the volume, your Preamp’s volume control can be used/set to it’s ’normally best’ most linear position rather than it’s minimum starting point. That is a benefit!

These units can be used ’up front’ to select up to 4 sources and control each volume into your preamp,

OR, between the Preamp and Amp

ALPS Remote Volume Control

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804138895759.html?src=google&aff_fcid=935f07f9b1c748348354370ac9bc6f3b-1703254601863-06284-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=935f07f9b1c748348354370ac9bc6f3b-1703254601863-06284-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=9e131df15aa34acea8ffefb4ac5e99e0&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

 

My beloved Chase Remote Line Controller can be used similarly. None of my Audiophile Friends can EVER (over many years of blind tests) hear any difference whether it is in or out of signal path. It just does it’s thing to your advantage!

NOTE: MUST have the remote for the Chase unit, no controls on the unit.

 

 

 

The Chase has the added benefit of Automatically/Progressively implementing Fletcher Munson ’loudness’ (low volume bass boost), which would definitely be an advantage for you.

Default volume and higher: FM not in line

lower than default, FM begins, slight and more bit by bit as you lower the volume.

.................................................

Try the Chase, keep it, or I will buy it from you, never hurts to have a spare for me or a friend.

If you use it for a while, then solve it by other means, then if you want, I'll buy it then.

btw, I am using one Chase unit in my Office System simply for remote power of the system, then the Luxman Integrated (it's power switch left depressed) for everything else, including it's input selection; phono MM or MC; remote volume and mute.

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