Total System Gain Question


I am considering an amp with 25dB of gain and 575mV input sensitivity for rated minimum output, and considering a preamp with 18dB of gain. So total system gain would be 43dB. My speakers are 88dB efficient.

Is too much gain for a 2V line level DAC source? I don’t know what the input sensitivity of the preamp is. I worry I’ll be stuck in the bottom (non-linear) portion of the volume pot due to the total gain ...

I don’t have a feel for this since I’d been using an integrated amp forever.
greg7

Showing 2 responses by russ69

I may be confused but if your pre-amp can put out 575mv, the amp will be at full rated power. I don't think it matters what the gain stages are. 
"...there is a lot of misinformation in this thread how can you calculate power amplifier output..."

Amplifier power measurement has to include the frequency, the load, and the distortion level to have any meaning. It's a moving target, you just can't pick one number and say you have determined the power output of an amp.