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Post by jandl100 on Oct 3, 2019 6:22:30 GMT
So can anyone tell me if you can deduce from specs alone whether a passive pre will give enough volume with a particular power amp? If so, how's it done? The sensitivity of your speakers is crucial as well. Speaker sensitivities typically fall in the range 80-100dB - that's an enormous range/difference and it will have a substantial effect on the loudness of the music that your system can generate. |
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 10:16:24 GMT
Well the two components that I won't be changing are the DAC and the speakers.
Where I have some flexibility is on the choice of preamp and poweramp.
First experiment is to use XLR output from the D70 and see how much extra volume I get - I have a decent XLR cable and adapters on the way.
I have had a quick scan for passives that have both XLR output and remote control - not a great amount of choice out there ...
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Post by MartinT on Oct 3, 2019 11:00:15 GMT
If you use an XLR to phono adapter you'll lose the larger voltage - remember XLR is balanced differential and you're throwing away the negative swing.
The first thing to try is to use a standard XLR cable from the D70 to the power amps and try it in preamp mode. That way you'll get an idea of the gain and whether it will work. Cost of the experiment is a £5 XLR microphone cable pair.
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 11:54:17 GMT
Dang - the adapters are already on the way. Never mind, they weren't expensive!
I've already tried the DAC in preamp mode and didn't like it, but not tried using XLR in this way but will give it a go as cable should also be arriving tomorrow.
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 11:56:07 GMT
Get rather confused looking at preamps. What's the thinking behind a pre with a 'Passive preamp module & active buffer output stage' ?  |
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Post by Stratmangler on Oct 3, 2019 12:05:45 GMT
Get rather confused looking at preamps. What's the thinking behind a pre with a 'Passive preamp module & active buffer output stage' ? The input and output impedances are unaffected by volume changes. |
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Post by MartinT on Oct 3, 2019 12:07:25 GMT
Nice unit with a good price.
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 12:47:31 GMT
Get rather confused looking at preamps. What's the thinking behind a pre with a 'Passive preamp module & active buffer output stage' ? The input and output impedances are unaffected by volume changes. Thanks Strat - yes that's a nice looking unit at a good price, but, just not sure I can cope without remote control! This of course narrows the choice down a great deal. When listening to spotify I'm always messing around with volume levels and so much easier to do it from where I'm sitting. Sorry - could you clarify what 'input and output impedances are unaffected by volume changes' means in terms of listening? This is the unit in question, but just not quite clear yet exactly whether it is worth me considering - www.chevronaudio.co.uk/Preamplifier/preamplifier.html |
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Post by Stratmangler on Oct 3, 2019 13:17:46 GMT
The volume control sits between the input buffer and the output buffer, and so both sides present an ideal impedance for the task in hand.
That unit you linked to looks to be a decent bit of kit.
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Post by MartinT on Oct 3, 2019 14:40:05 GMT
Tentlabs - nice.
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digititis
Oct 3, 2019 15:18:26 GMT
via mobile
Post by jandl100 on Oct 3, 2019 15:18:26 GMT
If you are hoping that the extra 3dB from an XLR passive will solve your maximum volume problem, I think that you will be in for a big disappointment.
3dB ain't that much at all in terms of perceived loudness.
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digititis
Oct 3, 2019 15:53:43 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 15:53:43 GMT
Understood Jerry. I've got an XLR cable arriving tomorrow hopefully and will try going direct from DAC to power amp but from my previous experiment, am not confident that I will like it!
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Post by Stratmangler on Oct 3, 2019 16:37:59 GMT
I've got an XLR cable arriving tomorrow You're going to listen in mono? |
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digititis
Oct 3, 2019 17:46:58 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2019 17:46:58 GMT
Yes it's all the rage don't you know ...
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 4, 2019 14:53:09 GMT
These arrived today so will try XLR direct to power amp ...  |
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2019 17:27:44 GMT
Oh do let us know what you think. Coherent cables are something special.
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digititis
Oct 4, 2019 17:37:36 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 4, 2019 17:37:36 GMT
They are far from Tony's most exotic cables but worth a punt I thought. Of course I could have bought something much more basic for a quick experiment but let's see ...
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Post by MartinT on Oct 4, 2019 18:39:31 GMT
Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Jules, as this could be ideal and simplify your system.
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digititis
Oct 4, 2019 18:49:19 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 4, 2019 18:49:19 GMT
Thanks Martin but am not overly optimistic given my experience with going direct using the RCA cables!
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Post by MartinT on Oct 4, 2019 18:51:32 GMT
XLR will give it more welly, for sure. Will it be enough?
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