why does my amp require a preamp?

PreSapian · 20th June 2011, 07:56 PM

i just acquired a vitage luxman mq70 and the thing i notice is that amp sounds better by raising the volume while maintaining the same absolute volume through source (pc). the sound just becomes more dynamic and the bass better defined. am i imagining things or are some amps designed that it's meant to sound best on maximum volume?

the amp has double volume pots in the back that's click operated instead of smooth attenuation. there are only ten 'steps' of volume and the amp was initially sold with a matching preamp, i read.

nightanole · 20th June 2011, 08:30 PM

Ideally you want your pc out pegged so you get full dac resolution.

costis_n · 20th June 2011, 08:31 PM

I am sure you are not imagining things, but i would guess that it has more to do with your PC sound card (output impedance) and less with the power amp. If possible give it a try with a CD/DVD player with variable output volume maybe?

FullRangeMan · 20th June 2011, 08:44 PM

Maybe you already know this:
If you use a CD player and your power amp have a input stage, you not need a preamp, unless for easy volume control.
Some passive integrated tube amps had just a pot volume control and a input selector, as some PrimeLuna/Mystere amps and various chinese brands.
It is a proven good sound topology, less parts = more quality.

The SS integrated amps Bryston B100 and Pass INT150, had a preamp stage, but do not had a input stage on the power amp.

A separate preamp box is a oldfashioned unnecessary equip., a heritage from the low level mili-volts signal vinyl era, if you run a 2Volts CD player, you not need a preamp separate.
You may just use a passive integrated amp, or just add a suited volume pot in the amp front input.
Regards

nigelwright7557 · 20th June 2011, 08:58 PM

I use an MP3 player without a preamp and it sounds very good.
However if I want full power out of my amp I need a preamp.

The fewer stages of amplification the better.

PreSapian · 21st June 2011, 03:06 AM

oops i should have said my source as DAC. i'm controlling the volume through foobar but it's to teralink reclocker>dac>amp

20th June 2011, 07:56 PM	#1
PreSapian diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: seoul	why does my amp require a preamp? i just acquired a vitage luxman mq70 and the thing i notice is that amp sounds better by raising the volume while maintaining the same absolute volume through source (pc). the sound just becomes more dynamic and the bass better defined. am i imagining things or are some amps designed that it's meant to sound best on maximum volume? the amp has double volume pots in the back that's click operated instead of smooth attenuation. there are only ten 'steps' of volume and the amp was initially sold with a matching preamp, i read.

20th June 2011, 08:44 PM	#4
FullRangeMan diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Brazil	Maybe you already know this: If you use a CD player and your power amp have a input stage, you not need a preamp, unless for easy volume control. Some passive integrated tube amps had just a pot volume control and a input selector, as some PrimeLuna/Mystere amps and various chinese brands. It is a proven good sound topology, less parts = more quality. The SS integrated amps Bryston B100 and Pass INT150, had a preamp stage, but do not had a input stage on the power amp. A separate preamp box is a oldfashioned unnecessary equip., a heritage from the low level mili-volts signal vinyl era, if you run a 2Volts CD player, you not need a preamp separate. You may just use a passive integrated amp, or just add a suited volume pot in the amp front input. Regards __________________ >Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the streets. On the streets pets live only two years average.

20th June 2011, 08:58 PM	#5
nigelwright7557 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Carlisle, England	I use an MP3 player without a preamp and it sounds very good. However if I want full power out of my amp I need a preamp. The fewer stages of amplification the better. __________________ http://www.murtonpikesystems.co.uk PCBCAD40 pcb design software.

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20th June 2011, 08:30 PM	#2
nightanole diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009	Ideally you want your pc out pegged so you get full dac resolution.

20th June 2011, 08:31 PM	#3
costis_n Tinkerer diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2008	I am sure you are not imagining things, but i would guess that it has more to do with your PC sound card (output impedance) and less with the power amp. If possible give it a try with a CD/DVD player with variable output volume maybe?

21st June 2011, 03:06 AM	#6
PreSapian diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: seoul	oops i should have said my source as DAC. i'm controlling the volume through foobar but it's to teralink reclocker>dac>amp

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