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I have a Sherwood S-5000 integrated drivng a pair of Rectilinear IIIs in a small room and I think it sounds terrific. I know that everyone talks about big power with RIIIs, and I've tried many amps, but I've had god results with tubed Anthem, Fisher and now Sherwood units. The volume control has the 0 db marked at about 2:00. Does this mean full power at this setting? I do find that I listen to vinyl (HO MC cart @ 1.6 mV) with the volume between 1:00 and 2:00. Do you think I'm pushing this amp too hard? It has a magical midrange and surprisingly controlled bass; great amp.
Follow Ups:
I believe it was intended to set the loudness to 0 then adjust the phono level to desired listening level. Their tuners also has levels so you do the same for it. At least this is how I understand it was meant for. Also note that with Sherwood the loudness switch set to ON is the standard position. Quirky company, but I really like their amps and tuners and I happen to have most of them.
Thanks...that makes sense. I'm glad I asked. Are you sure about the Loudness switch being "On"? It really boosts the bass. If this is the case, when would it be switched to "Off"?
The markings are relative. The concept is to set the balance controls at minimum and then turn the volume control to -0 and with the source signal increase and set the balance control(s) to the level you wish to hear the music (well, within the power level of the amp) and adjust the individual balance controls to the level is even at the listening position.If you are not familiar with Sherwood of this period don't try to follow this as it is not like any other company except a very few but these used more common nomenclature. The Sherwood balance control is actually input attenuators. The level controls on the early Sherwoods were to adjust the individual source output voltages to be the same so you did not have to vary the volume control to adjust for the differences.
If you have a scope, throw the amp on it and look at the output waveforms as you play with these controls and you'll really be amazed at what you'll be able to do and can really dial in the amp nicely. While at it you should also dial in the tone controls as center on them is not electrically centered on any I've seen. Getting them to electrical flat really helps the sound and you'll be amazed how flat the response curve on the S5000 can be.
Sherwood engineers tended to think outside the box and march to a different drummer and ended up with a superior design.
No balance on the loudness control...
Is the balance control a 2-gang pot like the bass and treble control? If not, then it is not like the later S5000 series and what I said would not apply. There should be a the tab. You may want to pull the knob off the balance control to see as I have seen of of the Sherwoods where someone has lost the inner control knob (tab). If the control is a single gang, then it is only for balance and you'd use the phono level and tuner volume control to do the reference level adjustments.
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