The Rothwell attenuators work well but if you have that problem consistently you might consider that you've got too much overall gain in your system and look for an amp or a pre-amp w less gain. Also, some pre-amps have an internal jumper that allows you to reduce it's gain.
Super-sensitive volume controls - remedy?
I'm getting real tired of preamps with a volume control that does everything from a faint whisper to way too loud all in the 8:00 to 10:00 position on the dial. My old Rotel RC-995 was like that, and now my new Parasound 2100; both with remote volume that becomes useless with that level of sensitivity. Of course, I noticed a big change when I switched from Maggie MG12's to Tekton Lore Reference, even with my old Luxman CX-100.
My question is not about searching for preamps that don't do that, but whether there is a transparent method of attenuation, either externally or internally, that would allow a more gradual and precise volume adjustment.
My question is not about searching for preamps that don't do that, but whether there is a transparent method of attenuation, either externally or internally, that would allow a more gradual and precise volume adjustment.
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- 31 posts total
Go passive. However, your issue is most likely your source is too hot. This either because the engineering of the music, due to excessive compression or even high efficiency speakers being driven by too much amp. In any case...in line attenuation or a passive pre might be in order. Or....if it is the amp.....a less powerful amp. |
I know live sound is different, but when I was running sound for my bands, I set the board to run at unity gain and then used the input trims on the power amp to control the gain structure. I almost considered a pro amp just to get that level of control, but I don't want to replace my Musical Design D-140. It sounds to me that the Rothwells would be accomplishing the same thing as the input trims. Which brings me to a couple more questions. Where are all the power amplifiers that require so much gain from a preamp for this to even become a problem? I know I've never owned one, and I've had a few. If I purchased a Parasound power amp, would I still be using only a small portion of the volume control? |
Minkwelder hi. Most sources these days have enough output on their own to drive amps into clipping and then some, so there is no need to add more gain and colouration from an active preamp. As Raymonda has said a passive preamp will do and probably give you even more transparency and dynamics. This one is a bargain at $49 and uses a quality 10kohm pot. http://schiit.com/products/sys-passive-preamp Cheers George |
- 31 posts total