Forums - Steve's recent Youtube video

Palomino

Seasoned Member

Posts: 2513

Steve's recent Youtube video
06/05/25 at 20:41:52

I haven't tuned into the Decware scene lately. Listening a lot but not participating in the forum.

Anyway, I have always known about riding the gain by adjusting amp and preamp volumes, but always felt that full volume on the amp and then regulating volume on the "pre" (In this case my computer/dac combo) was the best sound.

But Steve's explanation in his gain structure video clicked and I backed off the volume on the amp and made adjustments to the "pre" and Zbit. More dynamics at lower volume and I don't need to listen as loud to get the full soundstage.

Worth a view if you are not familiar with the topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXgGo5h-x-8

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Lon

Seasoned Member

"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 26284

Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Reply #1 - 06/05/25 at 21:20:40

Glad you tinkered and discovered that. I have been doing that for many years now. I love adjusting gain on sources, ZBIT, ZROCK3 and amp. . .I have my amp backed off about 20 percent . . . the sweet spot for my system.

This year the real innovation that has led to even better sound is the ability with the ZROCK3 to adjust the gain as well as the EQ. THAT has made a significant positive difference.

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nesappa Verified Member Posts: 5	Re: Steve's recent Youtube video Reply #2 - 06/05/25 at 21:25:22 Im thinking about a Cambridge DAC and the output is 2.1V. I wonder if this will have a similar gain effect like a preamp. The DAC has a volume knob for manual adjustement.
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Palomino

Seasoned Member

Posts: 2513

Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Reply #3 - 06/05/25 at 21:39:08

Interesting Lon, 20% is about where I ended up. Still tinkering.

You know you hear things over and over again and then one day it clicks. I had been frustrated that my listening volume was edging higher and higher during listening sessions in order to get the dynamics, etc. Then last night I can't sleep and watch some Youtube and Steve pops up on my feed...

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S of T

Seasoned Member

Posts: 117

Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Reply #4 - 06/08/25 at 16:39:50

Since February, I have a Van Alstine RB 10 Pre with my ZMA. I missed riding the gain. Being able to adjust the ZMA between 1 and 3 o'clock for any given recording is beautiful as you described Pal (dynamic and at lower volume w/soundstage).

Furthermore, I could not go back to fixed bias. Adjusting between 50 and 60 mA with balance is another thing of beautiful musicality.

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Karl Verified Member Posts: 22	Re: Steve's recent Youtube video Reply #5 - 06/08/25 at 20:06:15 Hi guys. Does backed off 20% mean the volume knob is 80% full on? Are you guys using stepped attenuators or sliding on the amp? I have a Zbit, Zrock3, Torii MkIV.
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 26284	Re: Steve's recent Youtube video Reply #6 - 06/08/25 at 20:25:12 Yes, that's what I meant, 80 percent volume up, 20 percent is backed off (approximately, and varying now and then). My amp (SEWE300B) does not have stepped attenuators.
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hdrider

Seasoned Member

On the path with
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Posts: 706

Re: Steve's recent Youtube video
Reply #7 - 06/09/25 at 00:56:43

I played catch up on some Youtube posts and really enjoyed Steve's, and the gain riding led me down that ole rabbit hole while playing some records. Really helpful to flesh out the soundstage without resorting to just shear volume. I really enjoy Steve's videos and John from Devore the most, also Harley from Pearl Acoustics. Lots of them are just people yapping at you and it becomes kind of irritating. Thanks all and happy listening, Chris.

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S of T Seasoned Member Posts: 117	Re: Steve's recent Youtube video Reply #8 - 06/09/25 at 02:41:38 Just watched the video. Now, (3.5 months) have a Pre again with my ZMA. I'm a kid in the candy store riding the gain(s) again. Man, I love this Amp. Thanks Steve.
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