2. amps-preamps
  3. 159644-134614

... Should I be concerned?

Hello to all...

So here I am, back again, still trying to "tune" my budget rig to the max "best to me sound":

CD only setup with over 10 yr old Marantz SA8001, into a Tube Line-level preamp, into a Parasound HCA-750 power amp, with homemade speaker cables (12g solid core copper wire, twisted; bare wire on both ends), at back of speaker same wire bent into C-shapes as jumpers... Speakers are KEF Q1s (luv'um).

On the back of the Parasound, there are volume knobs (so you could use the amp direct without a preamp) which I have up full ( as recommended to me thru another topic line). When I play music, I have so little volume adjustment available: I can't really get past 8 o'clock (from starting at 7) without it being too loud... 

One question I have is: will I be degrading the sound if I " adjust" the volume pots on the rear of the power amp, so that I can have more control over the volume knob on the pre? I guess I' be shooting for a 10-11 o'clock on the pre, and I'll assume it means a great decrease in the setting on the power amp.

Could another tact be: to replace the volume knob/pot with an articulated one, one that would click increases as I turn it?

This may be a foolish question - but any info or suggestions (other than criticism or sarcasm) would be greatly appreciated... Best Wishes to all - Be Well.
insearchofprat
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
If these are gain controls instead of volume controls you will need to reset or adjust the gains using a meter. They need to be balanced with one another. They sound like gains due to how sensitive they are. No pun intended. Be careful you don’t mess up your speakers. Please disconnect all components from your amp before adjusting anything using the meter. 
rodman99999
6,033 posts
 
@ insearchofprat - With the Wolze; you can roll 12AU7 tubes and tailor your sound, to your heart’s content.             From what I’ve read about the Morrison; you can enjoy some wonderful transparency.     Two very nice pieces/great potential.     Have fun and happy listening!
insearchofprat OP
189 posts
 
Took advice above to heart and removed the Wolze tube line stage; now playing CD direct into Parasound power amp: lifts a veil off the music, presents a leaner, more detailed and faster (I’d say more PrAT) sound.

Comparative Tunes playing: Rapture, Sunday Girl and Atomic by Blondie; Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain, Can I Sleep in your Arms and Remember Me by Willie Nelson; Touch of Grey, Sugar Magnolia, and Franklins Tower by the Grateful Dead; Ready to Run, Sin Wagon and Hole in My Head by The Dixie Chicks; Alison, The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes, Radio Radio, and Almost Blue by Elvis Costello & the Attractions; Sinatra’s 1958 version of Come Dance With Me; All I Want, Blue, and California by Joni Mitchell; Famous Blue Raincoat and Ballad of A Runaway Horse by Jennifer Warnes; Spinning Wheel and Blues - Part ll by Blood, Sweat and Tears; Carry On Wayward Son and Point of No Return by Kansas; Moondance, Wild Night, Full Force Gale and Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison; and others... Changes like this, so drastic and distinct, have you pulling out stuff you haven’t heard in awhile (and being WuhanVirus quarantined gives you dedicated time...).

Again thanks to all for input... I will continue to check for input from others, as time goes by...




rodman99999
6,033 posts
 
The only possible drawback that I saw, was having two level knobs to adjust.      The simplest, shortest path, is generally the best sounding.        When all the stars are aligned, that is.       KUDOS!
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