will
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ProgRockin,
I suspect just the adjustments may really change things for the better, allowing the CSP2+ to "wake up" more, increasing its tube qualities and the pre's sonic influence in every way.
To test this, if you have stock caps, I would start by adjusting the amp so the CSP input works in the 8-10 range, and the output 5-6, with master volume at 1 o'clock or so.
If the caps are Jupiters, when I had them put in mine, I needed to run the outputs higher to get the balance I liked. Later, after I started modding the CSP3, I noticed the Jupiters are lower value caps than the stock, verifying in part why I liked to push the outputs harder. With Jupiters, I would go to 7-8 on the outputs at first, 8-10 on the inputs, and about 1 o'clock on the master for average recording volumes.
Then experiment. You may like a little different settings, but I think this will put you into an area you can hear more of the CSP2+ usefulness.
Optimizing the CSP for its best sound, and keeping it in that best sound range, while using the amp volume for the more pronounced volume shifts, is an opposite approach from much historical pre usage....but I find the optimizing gain range of the CSP very important here for the best sound. It brings the CSP far enough into its qualities to do what it does best, while allowing gain riding within that optimized CSP sound range.
Then, if you are not accustomed to gain riding, it is pretty cool. Maintaining the same audible volume you want to listen at, if a recording is lean, turning up the CSP3 a little as you turn the amp down a little, will empower more CSP influence, more spacious dynamics and OTl punch, body, and clarity. If the recording is thick/too big, upping the amp while turning down the CSP master will likely open things up with less signal power/density in the balance....
If this is new, it takes a little reorganization of how we think about pres, but if it works for you like it does for me, you will get increased musical enjoyment across your collection of different recordings, and gain riding adjustments become sort of second nature.
In my system, once the CSP3 input and output pots are right for the tubes I have in, and with the master about 1 o'clock, then my range is most often between 12:30 and 2:30, this relatively minor range enough to dial in most recordings while keeping the CSP in an optimal sound range....
If this works for you, once you find the right balance in your system/room, the same tools can be used for fine-tuning the system in general with the CSP2+. Change some cables, feet, tubes, speakers, power........then check back in and re-optimize the CSP.
If the system change is good in most ways, but makes the signal a little too intense/potent or dense/thick, try turning down one or the other pot set a notch on the CSP. Or if a bit lean, but otherwise compelling, try turning one or the other up a notch....
Also, once tuned to taste, your tubes might be just right without changes, but each will likely be presented more completely, making it easier to discern what each tube does and how it balances. Then, after optimizing the pots and balance, it could be well worth re-investigating the rectifiers and outputs you have.
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