Unsure how to set levels to use tubes and power amp together


Hello to all...

I have a question regarding setting the power amp to work with my preamp:

I have a Wolze Line Level Tube Preamp -2-AX7s and 2-EF86 tubes, playing into a Parasound HCA-750a then to a pair of JBL L25 PRIMA speakers...

In a past forum: it was suggested that I could either play my CD unit directly thru the amp, using its volume controls ( it has independent R&L volume controls on the back of the unit) OR add a preamp, use the volume knob on the preamp, and set the volume controls on the back of the amp, according to how loud ( at what o’clock) I wanted to use the preamp volume.

My confusion relates to a minimal understanding that any electronic device ’amplifying’ a signal introduces distortion in the transmission, and therein lyes my confusion. Do I just set the amps volume control 1/2 way on the back (to minimize the distortion from that piece) and use the preamps volume control, OR do I set the amps volume controls full-on, and just use the preamp volume controls as best I can (even if it means minute adjustments never past about 8:30 on the preamp volume control).

So I’m questioning which piece of equipment’s distortion is better to take a advantage of... And what I should do.


insearchofprat

Showing 2 responses by insearchofprat

Just tried options -
A) Turn to full on on amp: can't get much past 7-7:30 for normal listening, 9:30-10 way too loud; volume knob on pre very sensitive...
Option B) normal listening at about 9 means cutting the amps power back almost half, goes way loud at 11:30-12...
Volume pot on pre does not have detents (would/could changing the volume pot to one with detents, give better control?)...
Thanks to all who helped me understand the best ways to handle this - with clear and non- judgemental comments...