preamp Luxman C1000 - how set up gain/volume ?

In general, you would set the gain so that your volume control operates in the middle of its range when the system volume is where you typically listen. Since most attenuators (volume) are logarithmic in their operation and provide better channel balance when not at either extreme, this will have two advantages: better able to finely adjust volume and better channel balance.

Thanks.. you know... I have source (Olive) where I can set up variable output, then there's c1000 with separate gain knob and volume knob, then I have m2000 power amp that also have volume attenuators for each channel... So to be honest I get lost what should be the drill and what is best for sound from technical perspective - as less gain as possible and max source and power amp power.. What of these all knobs should be used first and fixed on certain level.... Any advice? When I had separate Shindo pre + poweramp and each had volume control the advice was to first put volume knob in pre to eg 10:30-11:00 hour and then adjust volume in poweramp to the level of sound that is most commonly used. But with luxman c1000 with separate gain and volume I got lost. Is there any technical reason why there's separate "gain" knob in c1000 - this is quite specific solution to me, I have not seen such until know and I wonder how to use that to its best.

I can mot find original mańual to c1000 do you maybe know where I could get it from?

anyone?

Okay I will give this a shot. I have a CD player with variable output and a preamp with both a main attenuator and gain trim controls. If I were you I would start by defeating the variable output control in the digital source. I do this on my CD player by turning the control fully clockwise or full output. For the amps I would do the same to start. For the preamp I would leave the gain knob at its standard setting and just use the volume control to start.

Now play some music. Make sure the preamp volume control is at the lowest setting, fully counter clockwise, to start. As the music is playing slowly increase the volume until you get to your optimal listening level. Note where the volume control is positioned. Ideally I like to see the volume control operate at optimal listening levels between the 11 and 2 o'clock positions, maybe a little further along. If you can accomplish this right off the bat you are set. If not, then use the gain control on the preamp to attenuate the gain until the main volume control can be used in the range I mentioned. This is how I set it up in my system. Depending on the recording I may have to trim some gain but for the most part do not use the controls at all.

Before I address the amp review the link here:

http://www.thevintageknob.org/luxman-M-2000.html

BTW, they have information on your preamp as well.

From what I can tell the attenuators on the amp are used to adjust the meters so the level is between -10dB and 0 dB. So after you have done the adjustments on the preamp, then try making the adjustments on the amp, although I do not think this is critical. In my case I run my amps at full gain so you should be okay.

Finally, unless you absolutely have to, do not attenuate the variable output on the digital source. It should stay at full output for best results. You should be able to make all the necessary adjustments on the preamp and amp. Let me know how this works out for you.

What Clio said.