Problem with preamp volume control


I just obtained a Clear Audio Virtuoso Ebony v2 cartridge which I love dearly.  (I wrote about it in a separate post.)
The only problem with it is it has too high an output for my CJ PV 11 preamp.  It is very loud at between 9 and10 o’clock with very little tolerance for changing the level. A small turn brings a big result.
Is there any way of attenuating the preamp to accommodate this situation, so that I have more flexibility in controlling the volume?
Again, the cartridge sounds incredible otherwise.
rvpiano

Showing 5 responses by antinn

@almarg,

Unless the inline attenuator adds capacitance, the added resistance 'may not' be that bad for a MM cartridge and could be good, https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/load_the_magnets_e.html.  But I will defer to your experience with these attenuators.
rvpiano,

You have a couple choices depending on what else plugs into the preamp, and what amp you are using.

The easiest is to reduce the gain on the amplifier IF it has this option, Bryston amps have different amp gain setting, check the amp manual.

You can add an inline RCA attenuator such as  Harrison Labs 6 dB RCA Line Level Audio Attenuator, Parts Express sells them, better ones are made by Russ Andrews but these are sourced UK and they do not come in 6dB.  You can search inline RCA attenuators and there are a number of different forum discussions with differing results, but the Harrison are cheap.  You can install the attenuators on the phono input or on the amp input depending on what else plugs into the preamp.  I can't tell you which is better, I have never used them.

If you can use the attenuator on the amp input, you may want to check with CJ to see if they can mod your preamp gain from 18dB to 12dB.  As a bit of a guess, also check with CJ to see IF they know if different phono tube manufacturers provide different gain.
rvpiano,

To follow my discussion on vacuum tube gain, for 12AX7 and 5751 tubes see this list, https://www.tubesandmore.com/tech-corner/12ax7-comparison-current-made-tubes.  

Otherwise, the recommendation to use Rothwell attenuators is supported  by many reviews such as TNT Audio, but again these are sourced UK.
RV,

The Benchmark AHB2 has three different sensitivity (gain) settings - there is a small toggle switch on the back - see your manual pages 8/9 or download https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0321/7609/files/AHB2_Manual_-_Rev_G.pdf?6581480924542235084
RV,

Thank-you for the thank-you :).  It was about a month ago when a similar item came up, but that time it was a Bryston amplifier that like the Benchmark had a selectable sensitivity, and the simple flip of a switch yielded similar success.  Enjoy the music!