@vair68robert I was considering this, but I only have the stock Premier 11, not the 11a. I am unclear whether they can convert the 11 to the 11XS. I have asked CJ and will let you know.
Preamp Gain issues with high efficiency speakers
Hey all,
Been having a hard time with my system lately.
I recently got a pair of Zu Soul 6 that are 100db efficient. My power amp is a Conrad Johnson Premier 11 (70wpc) and my Preamp is a Conrad Johnson ET3-SE that has 25db of gain. Source is a streamer (PI2AES) with Denafrips Pontus II DAC, but it is the same regardless of source.
My issue is that even at 1 out of 100 on my preamp, the volume is still quite loud. If I were to turn it up to 30, I would be well north of 95db.
Due to a new baby, most of my listening is at low volumes.
I have been using in line attenuators but I feel like it adds a slight veil to the sound of the music.
I swapped out my Preamp for a Schit Sys passive pre and I could only turn the knob to maybe 7 or 8 pm before it was LOUD. I figured with a passive no gain pre I would be able to have more control over the volume, but this was not the case.
Is this Amp just a bad match for my speakers? I have read that it is better to have your pre running closer to 40-70% so that you are not attenuating the signal too much but I can barely get it to 5-10% before its quite loud.
Any insight, recommendations would be appreciated!
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Good Luck with CJ I use a passive Gold Point preamp with my SS amp , in reading that the CJ volume control is to loud at 1 with 25 db preamp gain and the Schitt allows you to go up to 7-8 with no gain it got me thinking . The 24 position control on the GP passive ( good reading on the web site ) increases volume by different db levels for the first 7 positions then at a steady 2 db's after that , using a tube phono preamp I play music from the 12 to 14 positions . So it's a [possibility that the Schitt does the same . If you look into a passive preamp look for one that from the beginning increases volume by 1/2 or 1 db , just a thought . |
@karl_desch I currently have the SE34I.6 Zen Triode Integrated with all mods but considering upgrading to the Sarah. My issue with the Sarah is the dual volume controls and lack out outputs. I will let you know when the time comes, hopefully not too long. |
Are you using the RCA outputs to run a sub or two? I have a Bel Canto E1X pre/DAC that I use for as a Roon streamer and phono pre. It also has sub outs where you can control the low pass start point. You can also add a main speaker high pass frequency. I am using this to control the Torii and Vandersteen 1c and Vandersteen subs. This arrangement allowed me to get around the need for RCA outputs on the Torii. |
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