What does it mean for a source to have full output? Say if I have a low output Phono cartridge with a phono preamp that doesn't quite bring it up to Line level, what am I missing out on by having to use more volume on my amplifier to compensate?

My amp is the super Zen Select. The only source I use is my Rega RP3 and a lounge audio LCR Phono pre, which has 42db output for my mm cartridge which outputs 5.5mv. I believe this puts it slightly below line level. Would I benefit from a higher output Phono pre. Is there a limit to how much or will it generally just sound better with more output?

I had an email exchange with the owner and builder of lounge audio and he said the more of your volume knob on your amp you use, the better it'll sound:

"Whenever a volume pot is used to severely knock down the volume level of your music, it eats up energy to do that.  Along with it, goes your micro-dynamics.

Really expensive volume controls do less damage in this way but, to get meaningful sonic payoff, takes really expensive parts like stepped attenuators."

So, wouldn't having lower phono gain and using more of your amp volume knob provide better sound? I'm confused by this.

Thanks
Brandon

Well put Maddog,

 It is another chance for experimentation. I used to own a CSP a long time ago, and truthfully, I got lost adjusting the gain controls, and others, that seemed to make all sorts of differences. If I only had one source, then that would be much easier to set it and forget it.
 My 'feeling' about a low output phono cartridge would be that I prefer to have a just a bit of amplification rather than to use any attenuation.

6 of one and half dozen of the other.

.....depends on the music too, whether well recorded and mastered or not.


I run my ZDSD direct and adjust the input gain on my ZMA.

...then switch to....

I run my TEAC NT-503 via preamp unbalanced/out 6 volts and run the input of the ZMA, anywhere between 11 o'clock to 3 o'clock (6 o'clock is 0 input gain on the ZMA). ZBIT coming.....to use the balanced out of my NT: two fixed choices and pre-out/12 volt. I get to ride up to 10 volts on the ZBIT to RCA input of my ZMA.

...then switch to....

I also have coming next week: Audio Research LS-2B MKII with Remote volume control. CLASSIC Pre it is .....and with one 6922...to sweetly tube roll.  


I find the versatility indispensable.   Let your ears tell you what the music is saying.....and lock it in accordingly (for that Recording).

I'm excited about my LS-2B MKII coming! (6H30 tubes are not for me~6922 in this Pre.....heaven).

Voltage output and input gain playing......1995 with my AA gear (Audio Alchemy ~ adjustable voltage output)....was when I first had the light bulb go off.....and to drive Class A Tube Amps....pleeease..........the only way to go.

Maddog, certainly give your remembrance of it.

For me, I could not pass up the deal on it and glad I got it, so far. I just rolled my Mullard in it and need to roll my other NOS tubes too, in her.

Of course, for me, I will never fully like a Line Stage in my path. Fun, just to spice it up with this different dynamic. I had 6H30 based ARC and did not like it. This 6922 single tube gig, I like.

If I end up selling this fall or winter .... It's a win~win. .......gives me funds towards my 6C33C Mono's.