Topic: Unity gain issue with pre-amp
Hello, when connecting dac to new pre-amp, cannot get louder volumes. When connecting dac to ine in on power amp, I am able to match the volume on dac such that -15db equates to normal listening volume yet leaving lots of headroom to go loud. I have now the matching pre-amp but when I connect to input on pre-amp volume is much lower such that to get to the same normal listening level I have to go to 0db or higher even to +3 on dac to get normal sound level at 50% of volume on pre-amp. This seems to put me in danger of lack of headroom when going loud for parties etc. It does not help turning off auto ref on and going to fixed outputs - the highest gain fixed output remains the same as auto ref.
The manufacturer indicates that this is a unity gain issue with the pre-amp and that the fix is to turn off the volume control on the dac and set to full analog output. They indicate this will also provide better sound quality. I am using xlr from end-to-end in my setup.
Is anyone able to provide some guidance on this issue? Specs from pre-amp follow:
Description Parameters
Highlight Pure Class-A, True Balanced, Fully Discrete Line Stage
60 Steps Microprocessor Controlled Relay Based Stepped Attenuator
Precision Matched Resistors & Components with Perfect Channel Balance And Low Distortion
Remote Controlled
Input IN1 - XLR
IN2 - XLR
IN3 - RCA
Input Impedance Single-Ended 12.2K Ohms
Balanced - 60K Ohms
Output RCA at 2.0Vrms
XLR at 4.0Vrms
Output Impedance Single-Ended 200 Ohms
Balanced - 400 Ohms
AC Power Requirement 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz (Worldwide Voltage)
Power Consumption 1W (Idle), 20W (Operational)
Frequency Response 10-80k(-0.3dB)
THD+N 0.00023%
S/N Ratio 120dB
Dynamic Range >121dB
Stereo Crosstalk -110dB