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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> CSP3 >> Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
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Message started by pursuitofnow on 10/12/18 at 22:36:04

Title: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/12/18 at 22:36:04

I'm considering the CSP3 for a preamp first and headphone amp second. I love that it has two inputs that I can utilize for switching between my digital path and analog path. It's not clear to me how the left and right line level output controls work. Do they allow different levels between the two inputs or do they control the left/right balance of one input?

I currently use a zstage on the analog side and have it set slightly higher to match the output of the zrock2 on the digital side. This allows near equal volume without adjusting the amp between the two sources. I'm thinking I could eliminate the zstage with the addition of the CSP3 if I can control the output of each input. Hopefully this makes sense and someone can let me know. Thanks.

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by Lon on 10/13/18 at 14:57:26

On the page on the CSP3 Steve wrote:

B) Left and Right Headphone Calibration Controls.
These are used to calibrate the master volume control so that your headphones don't get too loud, too fast.  Typically set so that the master volume control is half-way up at your normal listening level. They can also be used to adjust the balance between the left and right ears.


You may still need your ZSTAGE as these calibration controls for the input control both inputs, not each one individually. . . .

I have a 25th Anniversary edition of the CSP3 and really love it. Mine Steve bypassed these input controls with a glass resistor, so I can't adjust the input levels, I just have "full throttle." That is a bit of a limiting factor for my headphones as I can't turn the amp up past 7 or 8 o'clock and get well into the 'amplifying' range, but I use it to drive a Taboo Mk IV for headphones and get fantastic sound, and to control my SE84UFO3 25th Anniversary Monoblocks wonderfully (I got mine with dual stereo outputs).

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/13/18 at 16:59:21

On the page on the CSP3 Steve also wrote:

C) Left and Right Line Level Output Controls.
These are used to dial in the gain of this preamp so that it is perfect with any amplifier.  You can adjust the outputs to between zero and six volts.  The trick to this is also simple.  Just turn them all the way down, turn on your amplifier, raise the master volume to around half-way up and then slowly adjust the output level controls to reach your normal listening level.  This guarantees a perfect match with any amplifier regardless of its input sensitivity and power.  These can also be used to adjust left/right balance between channels.


The last bit about left/right between channels is what is confusing me with regards to B) Left and Right Headphone calibrations. I think of headphones and speakers as the same thing when talking about adjusting left and right ears or left and right channels. Are left and right channels input one and input two in this context? And not left and right ear/speakers?

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by Lon on 10/13/18 at 17:13:39

Either the input controls or the output controls can be used to adjust balance between left and right input channels or outputs channels. BUT the input cannot be used to adjust relative balance/volume to both inputs as they are wired to both input sources. You cannot adjust the relative volumes of one input in regards to the other, they are both influenced by each turn of either knob.

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/13/18 at 17:42:33

Got it, thanks for your help, Lon.

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by Lon on 10/13/18 at 19:22:45

You're welcome of course.

It just occurs to me that what you wish to accomplish can be done with the ZTPRE. In the manual for the ZTPRE is mentions that as an option one can have adjustable pots added to any input to allow matching of the outputs for each input. Says to contact Decware for pricing on this option. The ZTPRE is an AMAZING preamp, and expensive. (But with this option you could then do without your ZSTAGE).

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/14/18 at 05:49:50

Interesting. I had been looking at the ztpre as well but didn't read the part about the matching of outputs option. Decisions, decisions...

Title: Re: Left and Right Line Level Output Controls
Post by Tripwr1964 on 11/21/18 at 21:26:27

ive had my csp3 for some time now and this yr got the 25yr thing done to it.  its a great preamp (primary) and headphone amp!  ive had a lot of gear come and go.... the csp3 has stayed and has fit in well w/ all.  my fav decware piece by far (but i haven't gotten my hands on a zma yet!  lol).

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