VAC owners, sound off

don't know if that contributed to the issue in this case, but gain was exactly as you described -- loud at about a quarter way or less on the dial. Is there a spec to determine if gain on a pre will match up well with your amp?

Sometimes it's referred to as output gain (and input gain on the amp). Sometimes it's spec'd by output and input sensitivity.

Gain would not be the cause of the issues you described.

Generally, preamps don't require more output gain than about 12dB, although most have output gain of 18dB - 25dB depending on the unit. Gain is easily adjusted on a preamp by the manufacturer (if required).

Thanks Tvad. You're an asset here.

Did you mention Audio Horizons in particular because you think it will better suit my needs or because they are a company with a 30 day? (or both)

I have a Vac amp, which does have a high gain. I believe
38, as opposed to many other tube amps, which are closer
to 30. I only open my V-C to around 9:00 ot 1/4 turn,
which is loud. The manufacturer of my preamp said not to
worry about this because the type of volume control he uses
in his preamps do not change in sound no matter what level
you are playing. FWIW, I also heard a VAC Ren sig 2 on a
VAC amp, and I believe this sound was also loud at around
1/4 turm. My pramp is not a VAC, but does have 20 db of gain, the VAC's I know are higher gain as well. Not sure of the spec. I guess even though VAC amps have the higher
than average gain, Kevin still uses a fair amount of gain in his preamps. When I heard a VAC amp at a dealers recently, he was using the VTL pre. Again, a higher gain pre paired w/ the Vac amps. Regardless, I do feel it would be better to open up the V-C a bit more and/or have smaller step increments on it as well. Just my related experience, hope it helps. It does seem like a synergy issue may be involved though. You may want to call Kevin,
and let him know your amps specs, and then your amp manufacturer, and let him know the preamps specs.

Did you mention Audio Horizons in particular because
you think it will better suit my needs or because they are a company with a 30
day? (or both)
Tholt (Threads | Answers)

I mentioned the AH preamp because it has a low output impedance spec that
should match with your amp, and because it has a home trial period.

I am not making a judgment about how it may suit your needs. Too much
personal preference enters into that question.