[tdangelo]

due to system reconfiguration, I'm looking for some recommendations.  Here's what I would like:

.remote control (absolutely)
.tubes or hybrid
.low gain/output voltage
.balanced outputs/single ended in's or combination
.really don't want phono

I'm currently using a Cary SLP-05 which I love but it may have a bit too much gain(12db balanced) for my new Lamm M1.2 amps(balanced) - the Lamm specs:

gain - 31.8db(balanced)
input sensitivity - 0.538 Volts RMS ± 2% for 110 Watts into 4 Ohms
input impedence - 41 KOhms shunted by 470pF

As you can see, I think I have to much gain.  I can only use a volume range from 7(volume off) to about 10 oclock and then its to loud.  It sounds very good but I'd like more volume range.

My source is a Squeezebox 2 feeding an Audiologic 34MXL dac.
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance 
Tony

[PhilNYC]

I've always thought that Lamm amps sound the best when driven by a Lamm preamp...

[zybar]

I've always thought that Lamm amps sound the best when driven by a Lamm preamp...

I thought that the Lamm preamps don't come with a remote - this would appear to be a deal breaker.

George

[tdangelo]

I've always thought that Lamm amps sound the best when driven by a Lamm preamp...

I thought that the Lamm preamps don't come with a remote?

George

they don't unfortunately ;(

[richidoo]

Your Cary is an amazing preamp. Call Cary to see if gain can be reduced. Vishay S102 resistors would knock it down at the outputs with no loss of that Cary joy.

[saisunil]

Hi Tony,

A while ago there was a pre-amp shoot-out (on the west coast).
They had your current preamp as well as Tube Research Labs Dude Pre.
People clearly preferred the TRL pre.

TRL now comes with remote option (volume control only)

Paul at TRL is the man 509-787-5405

Cheers
Sunil.

[bpape]

Not sure about budget but this does everything you want.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Phi_Alpha_Preamplifier.htm

Bryan

[tdangelo]

Not sure about budget but this does everything you want.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Phi_Alpha_Preamplifier.htm

Bryan

looks interesting - one just showed up on Agon.  I can't seem to find any specs on it - can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Tony

[bpape]

Hmmmm.  They're not showing a manual on their site.  Might have to call them.   Had a link to more about that piece but doesn't seem to be working now.

Sorry

Bryan

[tdangelo]

I called and talked to Kevin Hayes - nice guy.  The Phi Alpha has 10db gain - so it's only 2db less than mine - not sure thats going to make a huge difference.  Maybe I just don't need to worry about the volume not being used past 10 oclock 

Thanks
Tony

[mcgsxr]

I am not sure of the specs, but mgalusha here built me a custom Hagerman Clarinet with a remote kit from DIY Cable.

Not sure how it would stack up to your Cary, but it was a great piece for the time I owned it.

I sold it after going direct from my Bolder SB3 to my amp, so I guess our systems are quite different, as you are looking to use a pre with yours!

[arthurs]

I called and talked to Kevin Hayes - nice guy.  The Phi Alpha has 10db gain - so it's only 2db less than mine - not sure thats going to make a huge difference.  Maybe I just don't need to worry about the volume not being used past 10 oclock 

Thanks
Tony

I usually don't get my VAC pre much past 11 and I just don't worry about it.....if it sounds right, just enjoy your Cary!

[tdangelo]

I called and talked to Kevin Hayes - nice guy.  The Phi Alpha has 10db gain - so it's only 2db less than mine - not sure thats going to make a huge difference.  Maybe I just don't need to worry about the volume not being used past 10 oclock 

Thanks
Tony

I usually don't get my VAC pre much past 11 and I just don't worry about it.....if it sounds right, just enjoy your Cary!

words of wisdom 
Thanks!
Tony

[markC]

You could change out the volume pot(s), for more steps in your Cary. This would allow more range b4 it gets "too loud". Cheaper then a new pre and especialty if you like the sound of the Cary.

[GBB]

due to system reconfiguration, I'm looking for some recommendations. 
. . .
I'm currently using a Cary SLP-05 which I love but it may have a bit too much gain(12db balanced) for my new Lamm M1.2 amps(balanced) - the Lamm specs:

As you can see, I think I have to much gain. . .  It sounds very good but I'd like more volume range.

My source is a Squeezebox 2 feeding an Audiologic 34MXL dac.
Any ideas?

Maybe I'm missing something but the Squeezebox has a very good level control built into it.  Why don't you just decrease the output of the Squeezebox so that you're using more of the range on the volume control of your Cary?

----Gary

[Imperial]

I'm just gonna make an alternative suggestion here...
How about getting a lower gain tube in the Lamm amp... they proide the gain to that amp right... so... 

The tube that sits in the lamms are of the 6922 family. Finding a set of extra low mu tubes should at least lower the gain some..

One could have a tube outlet supply 6sn7's and 6922 with low mu (tubes aren't always on spec there..) - I'm sure this could be
possible. I don't think the electronics will have any problems. Lamm at least do have a list somewhere that gives a hint as to
what kind of tubes can be used to replace, should one wish to experiment.

Or...
These could do the trick also!!!

I would guess that the Rothwell's that dampen about 10db I believe will work right just fine, and be the cheapest quick fix here, and
it will also, according to Rothwell, dampen the noisefloor some.

Imperial

[Steve]

Hi Imperial.

    Changing tubes with such different specs would necessitate redesigning the stage, different parts etc. Pretty expensive and some tubes could hurt the highs and drastically change the sound. 6SN7 is such a tube that is affected by a relatively small amount of load capacitance, so not a good choice.

As mentioned above, one could change the gain by using resistors at the input. Have to be careful what brand resistors are used though.

[tdangelo]

thanks for all the suggestions.

I've tried the Rothwells in another system and found that transparency took a hit - same with the Endler's..

It just occured to me that I may be able to use the Innersound crossover/amp to do the trick.  The Innersound xover/amp takes the pre input and allows an overall level adjusted.  The bass/midrange controls are also adjustable relative to the MAIN level control.  I can prob. do what I want that way   Unfortunately the amp is in for repairs so I'm gonna have to wait to try it

Thanks again
Tony

[avahifi]

I suggest caution using the volume control on the Squeezebox.  It is controlling the digital level I believe.  Inasmuch as you can't make the digital bits bigger or smaller, the way a volume control works on a digital data stream is to throw away bits.  This of course simply reduces the resolution of the signal.  After you all have spent so much money on super high resolution cables and capacitors, it does not make much sense to throw away resolution at the front end of the system.  The Squeezebox will work best with its level control turned all the way up.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[chadh]

I suggest caution using the volume control on the Squeezebox.  It is controlling the digital level I believe.  Inasmuch as you can't make the digital bits bigger or smaller, the way a volume control works on a digital data stream is to throw away bits.  This of course simply reduces the resolution of the signal.  After you all have spent so much money on super high resolution cables and capacitors, it does not make much sense to throw away resolution at the front end of the system.  The Squeezebox will work best with its level control turned all the way up.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

I think the squeezebox takes a 16 bit signal but transmits a signal that is 20 bits.  It does this by adding an extra four bits that are zeros.  Then when you digitally attenuate that signal, it looses bits - but the first ones to go are the zeroes at the end that carry no information.  As a result, there's quite a lot of room for adjusting the output of the squeezebox without altering the resolution of the signal.

Chad