Forums - pre-amp gain vs amp gain

Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register

04/25/24 at 07:17:54

Forums › EQUIPMENT FORUMS › SE84UFO25

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›

Pages: 1

pre-amp gain vs amp gain (Read 797 times)

mk60

Senior Member

Posts: 87

pre-amp gain vs amp gain
02/28/23 at 01:33:09

Hi all, just got my SE84UFO25 set up.

Currently running it using a Naim Uniti Atom's pre-outs to have the Naim act as streamer DAC and pre-amp to the amp.

I'm wondering if there is an "optimal" or "correct" gain setting for the gain dials on the amp itself for best sound/least distortion? I'll control the volume using the naim as pre-amp but want to make sure I'm getting the best sound out of the amp itself in this configuration. Does it matter at all? Or do I just need to set it to get my desired SPL out of my speakers? Currently have the gain dials on the UFO set to max.

Thanks for the advice!

Main System: Lumin U2 Mini->Denafrips Pontus II->ZTPRE->[2x SE84UFO25 in Differential Balanced Mono]->Klipsch La Scala AL5 + 2x REL 212/SX
Office System: Naim Uniti Atom->SE34I.5->Zu Dirty Weekend 6 Supreme

IP Logged

Geno

Seasoned Member

Without music, life
would be a mistake.

Posts: 2000

Re: pre-amp gain vs amp gain
Reply #1 - 02/28/23 at 02:20:06

Hi MK.

When I have my UFO in the lineup, using my Dac/streamer as a preamp, the ufo is set to about 90%. I experimented with 100%, but found that I liked it cut back 2 clicks (if you have attenuated volume). I’m betting that most folks using a pre, would have their ufo set between 80% and full on.

You should experiment to see what you like best. I don’t think there is a ‘correct’ way to have it set. System setups vary too much for that.

Good luck!

Geno

(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222
Crown sub amp
Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT
SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7
Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R
ZLC Power Cond.
Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles

IP Logged

Dominick

Seasoned Member

Still like that old
time Rock and Roll!!

Posts: 1162

Re: pre-amp gain vs amp gain
Reply #2 - 02/28/23 at 05:43:05

When I run my fully modded SE84C+… I start with the volume between 50% and 75% and then use my ZSTAGE to adjust the gain. The reason I start off a bit lower than others is because I am using the XLR ‘s out of my Dac into my ZBIT….so I am already starting out with added gain in comparison to the standard 2 volt source.

As Geno stated…each person’s setup is system dependent and will vary. It also depends on how loud you like to listen to your music…so just play with it until you find the sweet spot.

Dom

Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable,Rega Fono MK5, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood]

IP Logged

Pages: 1

Forums › EQUIPMENT FORUMS › SE84UFO25

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›

UPLOAD IMAGES HERE