Most of the forum members most likely already know that matching the gain between your preamp and your amp is pretty important. I hadn't realized how important until a few days ago. On my amp, I have the ability to change the amp's gain setting between 26db and 32db. I had been using the higher gain setting of 32db for some time and after reading up a little more on the subject, decided to change the setting to the 26db setting. Apparently this is the standard gain setting that most ss amps are delivered with. Since I use a tube preamp which can swing upwards of 7volts, the 26db gain setting is definitely preferable. The result was back ground noise from the amp was majorly reduced and the whole system has taken on a much greater sense of ease. Which brings me to my point, IF you have the ability to change gain settings on you amp, it is very well worth while adjusting the settings to see what the amp prefers. I noticed that the preamp is a little more in the 'sweet spot' on the volume control. OTOH IF you do not have the ability to change the gain setting on your amps input, then a very careful matching with the preamp is probably warranted. I question how many a'philes do not have this seemingly trivial factor taken into account, I know I was one who benefitted greatly by the correct matching.
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