2. amps-preamps
  3. 1109824073

Volume level mystery - can you solve it?

I recently replaced a pair of Linn LK power amps (85 and 140, in passive biamp mode) with the much more powerful Linn 2250 amp (just one). My preamp is a Linn Kairn. I have noticed that in order to achieve the same volume levels with the 2250 as I was getting with the 85/140 combo, I need to crank the Kairn volume setting much higher. By way of example: on a scale of 1-100, 50 used to be my normal listening level, but to achieve that level I now need to turn the Kairn up to 70 or higher. The Kairn only goes up to 100, but with the new amp, everything below 60 or so is very, very quiet. After 70, the volume ramps up pretty quickly, whereas with the 85/140, the distribution seemed more of an even straight line graph. Does anyone have any idea what this is all about? Are amps just calibrated differently? If anything, I would have expected the 2250 -- a more powerful amp -- to produce higher volume at lower settings, but the reverse seems to be true. Any thoughts about this would be much appreciated. I am a little worried that something is wrong with the amp, but aside from the volume issue the sound seems good. Thanks.
kdl6769
bigtee
803 posts
 
On my Ayre V5x, it has a switch but it doesn't change the levels any really. The sound quality suffers some if it's in the wrong mode. Of course the Ayre doesn't ground the interconnects to the chassis at all anyway.
I think it could just be, considering the drive levels are double for the bigger amp that the perceived volume just ramps up slower. I mean, there is not going to be much of a volume difference with these amps in absolute terms. Your other amps would hit clipping at a much lower volume setting looking at the drive mv required. It would also depend on your displays calibration(as in, is it a true db indicator.)
Also, it still could have something to do with driving 2 amps instead of one. It doesn't appear input impedance is an issue between them.
I don't think you would notice any real difference in volume level between 115/ch and say 85/ch.
Does the bigger amp go on up to full power with more level? If it does, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.
Check the Dbw scale for exact figures.
gregm
3,397 posts
 
The two older amps have completely different input sensitivities (much higher: 685/870mv for full power vs 1,2V for the new one). You need a higher relative source voltage to drive yr new amp to clipping (i.e. turn the volume control higher). That alone could explain the differences you're experiencing.

Also the new amp, alone, is a slightly better load by the looks of it (the old ones together were 5kOhm). Do also use the switch in the back (if you haven't already)!
kdl6769 OP
23 posts
 
I think the mystery is solved. I used the (tiny) button in the back and everything now seems normal. The moral of the story is, always read the manual no matter how poor it is. Thank you to everyone for your helpful and interesting suggestions.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Bigtee...On some balanced equipment (I have some) the use of unbalanced connection is sensed, and the gain adjusted accordingly. I have one piece that is unbalanced in, and balanced out, but unity gain through the piece is assured by this feature.
bigtee
803 posts
 
Yea, I know a lot of manufacturers have different ways of implementing this feature. It sounds like the fellow has solved his problem, so that's good.
It is really hard to say anything on these forums outside of generic information. I used the example of Ayre because I use it and understand how it is implemented.
I also know some equipment is not truly balanced in its circuitry. I think this is why some don't notice any difference from XLR to single ended. It is actually converted back to single ended internally.
Makes it hard not knowing some of this equipments internal workings.
More to discover