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Several weeks ago, I posted a request in the Amp Asylum asking for help about an issue I was having with controlling my amplifier's volume when using a new Sony HAP-S1 as a source. The problem was that I did not have much useful volume range. Several inmates responded with clear and good explanations for the problem and a suggestion: add an attenuator. Today, I saw a post in the General Asylum by Jonesy about "Solved and Cold Cases," which reminded me that I hadn't posted a follow-up after receiving the inmates' help. So here goes.
I'm happy to report that adding an attenuator completely fixed the issue; I have full range volume control again when using the HAP-S1. Some inmates suggested I try in-line attenuators that are installed directly between the amp's line inputs and the interconnects. But I followed another suggestion (by Jonesy, coincidently, I think) and purchased an attenutor-in-a-box from Schiit, their SYS. Works great and has no effect on the sound that I can detect.
While I'm at it, I want to give some notes about the HAP-S1 as a source, although this should perhaps go in one of the digital forums. Previously, my source was a Sony CA70ES, an older 5-disc carousel, used with a Classe CAP 101 integrated and Harbeth Monitor 30 speakers. Good recordings sounded good, and not-so-good recordings were at least listenable. A very non-fatiguing system, smooth and polite, perhaps a bit too much so, for my music collection that consists of redbook cds. I do not use the amplifier in the Sony.
The HAP makes every disc sound better! Good recordings sound excellent, and the not-so-good recordings are much improved. Overall, the sound is much clearer. Instruments sound more real and voices can sound uncannily live. Bass is better defined and hearable, and the interplay among instruments and voices can be heard much more easily. All are located more precisely in the sound stage.
Despite the problem that I had with the volume that wasn't addressed in the documentation or in any on-line forum that I could find, installation was easy. Yes, as everyone else has said, transferring music to it takes a while but, as everyone else has also said, it should only need to be done once.. After I climbed the usual learning curve, I've found the HDD Audio app that allows control of the unit from a mobile device to be easy to use.
In short, I like the HAP S-1 very much. It has helped me organize my music, which was one reason why I wanted to buy it or a similar device. More importantly, I am listening to more of my music, and I'm getting more pleasure from it.
Thanks again to the inmates who responded to my earlier post and to you for reading this.
Jim
Follow Ups:
Jonesy is right: the Sony CA70 ES has a variable output and the HAP S1 has a fixed output. I confirmed this after Jonesy's response to my original post. I hadn't been aware of the variable output, which was set at its minimum. When I adjusted it to its maximum, I had the same volume issue as with the HAP S1.
Cheers,
Jim
Thanks for the follow-up-
I have a Z1, and I just don't understand your volume problems.
There is no reason you should need an attenuator, Sony's have had a 2V output for years and years.
I know you said you tried all the inputs, but it sounded to me like you were using the Phono Input by accident.
Evidently that's not the case, but it makes no sense to me that it should be so loud as to be unlistenable.
OTOH, if you like it, that's fine.
I believe what was happening is his CDP only had variable output and it was turned all the way down. The HAP was fixed output.
That's why the mismatch.
OP can confirm?
Jonesy
"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."
Yes I read your post.
I wonder what the input sensitivity on the Int Amp is.
My Mac 6900 is 2.5V. His must be 0.5V to be too loud w/Sony.
There's no reason to even use the CDP, except as a transport/Coax/Opt anyway, with the S1.
I would suggest he remove the attenuator and just live with it as his only source.I'm glad your suggestion got him going-
Edits: 02/12/17
You're right. From what I can find about input sensitivity for Classe products circa '90's 00's it is low.Which would still be okay but in his CAP 101 the db increases are incremental and at low volume are quite large over a very short range before they taper off to .5 dB steps.
So with the HAP at 2.5mv fixed output he is hitting full volume very quickly.
Fancy volume circuitry and read out display. (Can't just put a resistor across the pot!)
But looking at reviews as recent as 2014, that old discontinued integrated can still hold it's own.
Essentially he is using his passive variable out set low on his CDP and now has a variable passive on his HAP. Maybe not the best sonically, but more flexible. (Sorry I keep repeating myself!)
I'm in the same boat with an '80's pre, but have learned to live with essentially 4 positions on my volume control for line source. 16 steps or so with phono.
Cheers!
Jonesy
"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."
Edits: 02/12/17
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