Is there a device which can amplify the preamp output if it is too low?--a kind of post-preamp amplifier unit?
Describe your situation in more detail. It is possible to not have enough gain, if the system is poorly matched.
What source, preamp, power amp, speakers?
What source, preamp, power amp, speakers?
I don't think a commercial device like this exists. To construct one will take almost the same effort as constructing an entire new preamp with the desired gain and voltage capability. Unless the existing pre has a special feature like an exceptional phono section, it's probably not worth the effort to add another box.
1 - modify your existing preamp to provide gain.
2 - build an op-amp gain stage.
3 - modify an existing board to provide enough gain - this has through hole components and as standard claims 5x gain.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31603774...LyP1mmPXuoSVa1R9jXpMuhiTQ=|tkp:Bk9SR8ylkIOuZQ
You give no indication of whether you want ready made, kit, full diy, or how much gain or what signal levels you require.
2 - build an op-amp gain stage.
3 - modify an existing board to provide enough gain - this has through hole components and as standard claims 5x gain.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31603774...LyP1mmPXuoSVa1R9jXpMuhiTQ=|tkp:Bk9SR8ylkIOuZQ
You give no indication of whether you want ready made, kit, full diy, or how much gain or what signal levels you require.
I have a tube preamp going into a Class-D amp. Mismatch? I was thinking a 1:2 transformer on the output? I would need it to be twice as loud, perhaps three times (though I wouldn't use all of THAT)
Just use step up transformer. Like the one in M2 amp, or ZenMods preamp. I have whole thread about step up transformers. No power supply needed.
Your tube preamp may not be able to properly drive the class D amp. That will reduce gain and increase distortion.
Most tube preamps cannot drive lower impedances very well.
You may just need a simple buffer, not more gain. Too much gain in a system will increase noise
and increase the chance of clipping. A transformer could make the situation worse.
Which tube preamp do you have? Which class D amp?
Most tube preamps cannot drive lower impedances very well.
You may just need a simple buffer, not more gain. Too much gain in a system will increase noise
and increase the chance of clipping. A transformer could make the situation worse.
Which tube preamp do you have? Which class D amp?
What is your tube preamp? Do you have a schematic?
Are you just complaining your volume control has to be fully up for good sound? This is no problem if it sounds good.
It should be easy to increase the gain & output of your preamp but we need a schematic.
Are you just complaining your volume control has to be fully up for good sound? This is no problem if it sounds good.
It should be easy to increase the gain & output of your preamp but we need a schematic.
That is a rather optimistic suggestion, provided there is no info re the output impedance of the pre. And whatever it is, a 1:2 step up will raise it at least 4 fold. How's that class D gonna like it?
It's a Cary tube clone and an Purifi class D... What kind of "buffer" should I use? Can you provide a link to such a product? Thanks for your response.
Though I am unable to send a link, there are so many options for a buffer that can be added to your preamp output. A classic example would be the Musical Fidelity's X-Can that was made back in the late 90's, but of course, there are many newer examples such what is available as a kit at DIY Store. As usual, you have to be careful when buying many of the tube buffers available on eBay, but that should go without saying. One of the coolest builds was designed by Pete Millett (and probably others as well) using the Korg SP1 NuTube. I really enjoyed the effect/improvement of sound in my system.
Even simple opamp buffer can sound transparent and provide ample input range and plenty of low resistance on output to drive any step up transformer. I use opa604, with unmeasurable (by me) distortion.
