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In Reply to: RE: 3 questions on input and output specs posted by jmunky3 on October 16, 2016 at 19:01:24
The difference between 2-volts and 4-volts is 6-dB. In other words, 4-volts is 6-dB louder than 2-volts. I don't think there are any pros and cons. Either voltage will work just fine in any system I know of.
Normally, the lower the output impedance (R/Ohms) of a preamp, the better. If your preamp has an output impedance of 100-ohms, then your power amplifier should probably have in input impedance of at least 10k-ohms. If your preamp has an output impedance of 600-ohms, then your power amp should probably have an input impedance of 25k to 50k-ohms. Anyway, that's my best guess.
As far as voltage (V) is concerned, the best match between preamp and power amp would be when normal listening level occurs with your volume control between 1-o'clock and 3-o'clock. Some power amplifiers have input potentiometers to attenuate the voltage output from the preamp so you can get the best performance and the best volume control setting. My amplifier has input potentiometers and I get better sound quality and lower noise when I turn those potentiometers down at least half way or slightly farther. This is because I'm using a tube preamp with a lot of gain and my solid state power amplifier does not need as much voltage as my preamp puts out.
Hope this helps.
John Elison
Follow Ups:
Yes, that all helps quite a bit. My current amp, which I'll be using power section of, is difficult to listen to above 1 o'clock. It's still clean and sounds well, but it just gets way too loud, bass shakes my entire house too much (that's with bass boost off and bass tone at 0)
I have a high end voltmeter, so I should be able to get needed readings from both sections to get correct specs.
If you don't hear any noise or distortion, the position of your volume control probably doesn't matter. With my tube preamp, noise was quite audible until I attenuated the signal into my power amplifier. The noise didn't change with my preamp's volume control setting but when my amplifier's input attenuators were turned down, the noise became inaudible at my listening position regardless of my preamp's volume control setting.
I don't think it's necessary to make any voltage measurements. As long as you don't hear excessive noise or distortion, you are probably in very good shape. Just enjoy the music.
Best regards,
John Elison
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