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too much power now-dump active for passive pre?

Just went from a pair of 89db moitors where my Mesa Baron in Triode worked nice with 90 wpc.But new floor standing speakers the snesitivity is 93 db and I can only get the volume max to 11:00 before I am overpowering.many folks say that I should get into SET and have been thinking about it.Bit wondering if getting rid of my Mac 712 and going with a passive line control or pre-amp like the Adcom GFP750 where you can run it in passive would be the way to go.BTW I had that pre with some B&W 805's and the 300 watt amp they make.Was bummed because of the same problem.I had to run it in passive but thought it sounded better in active mode (contrary to "audiophile purism").I like the Mesa and if I ver get another set of speakers that do need the power it's a gem.So .......
chazzbo

Showing 1 response by herman

herman
2,280 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with the situation you describe. It is very rare that the maximum reasonable volume from the speakers works out to be the maximum setting on the volume control. If you like the sound you are getting, what is wrong with full volume being at 11:00?

On the other hand, if it really bothers you, a competent technician can easily add a voltage divider to the output of the preamp or the input of the amp to allow you turn the knob past 11:00. I would be happy to help you if you live anywhere near Nashville.
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