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The psychological factor

Since I got a new amplifier a while ago, I have hesitated putting the volume control on the preamp past 12 o’clock because that was never a good choice with previous amps.  I was afraid I would overload the system.  I now find that factor was depriving me of the best sound I could obtain.
Placing it now at 12 or above, I’m now finally enjoying what the amp is truly capable of.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like that.
128x128rvpiano

Showing 7 responses by rvpiano

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rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
As indicated above, preamp is Conrad-Johnson.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
i just ordered my wife ear plugs today from Amazon.
Not joking!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
Preamp is Conrad-Johnson PV11 modded with teflon caps.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
aewarren,

I think your right that every preamp has a sweet spot below which the sound is compromised.  I think I found it.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
Amp is a Benchmark AHB2.  Interestingly it has three “sensitivity” switch settings which control volume levels.  I have it on the lowest setting.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
Yes I did.  They said it wouldn’t be a problem.
On the mid setting, the volume.control was unmanageable, especially with the high output cartridge I’m using.
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rvpiano OP
2,716 posts
 
kevn,

I sympathize with you.  When my preamp was out for repair I got one with a remote control, which I thought would be great.  But it drove me crazy not knowing what the level was.
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