Why I can`t adjust the volume on my amplifier?

[Milan Simon]

Hello! I am struggling with my audio setup and I really don`t know what to do. I have a pair of Dynaudio BM5 mkIII active studio monitors, a Rega Planar 1 LP player, a Rega Fono Mini A2D pre-amp and an Onkyo A-9010 integrated stereo amplifier. I don`t know why but I can`t adjust the volume on the amplifier. It plays just in one volume whatever I do. Itried with a headphone, without the monitors and it goes all right.
I attach a few pics about the setup. I have no idea what to do.
Thank you all for the help!

 

[lovinthehd]

Your integrated amp isn't suited to act simply as a pre-amp it seems, as it only has a line level out (and why do you have only one connection to the left line out?). Line outs are fixed outputs, as in for recording purposes (as is mentioned in your manual); you need a unit with pre-outs for active speakers (your integrated amp is intended for use with passive speakers).

 

[PENG]

Hello! I am struggling with my audio setup and I really don`t know what to do. I have a pair of Dynaudio BM5 mkIII active studio monitors, a Rega Planar 1 LP player, a Rega Fono Mini A2D pre-amp and an Onkyo A-9010 integrated stereo amplifier. I don`t know why but I can`t adjust the volume on the amplifier. It plays just in one volume whatever I do. Itried with a headphone, without the monitors and it goes all right.
I attach a few pics about the setup. I have no idea what to do.
Thank you all for the help!

The A-9010's line out has a fixed output. The BM5 mkIII has no volume control either so the only thing you can do it to change the sensitivity of the BM5 mkIII using the selector switch, but it only has 3 positions, +4, 0, and -10.

You can try to get an external line level volume control device, or replace the Onkyo with another integrated amp or preamp that has variable outputs.

 

[Milan Simon]

Thank you! What kind of unit would you recommend? I have a Mackie Mix5 Mixer, but it doesn`t sound convincing with it.... my budget is around 150-250 pounds...

 

[Speedskater]

If your interconnect cables arn't too long, you could use a 'passive pre-amp'. A 'passive pre-amp' is nothing more than a stereo volume control in a box.

 

[Milan Simon]

My interconnect cables are under 6 feet, so it can be a way to go. What kind of passive pre-amp would you recommend?

 

[PENG]

My interconnect cables are under 6 feet, so it can be a way to go. What kind of passive pre-amp would you recommend?

No need to get an expensive passive one when you can get one of this for under USD200:

https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-TA-01-192KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00L25RF78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509791385&sr=8-1&keywords=xduoo+ta-01

I have one, it sounds as good as my other ones that cost 10X more.

 

[agarwalro]

Milan, why are you using the Onkyo at all? The Rega Fono has a level control.

https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-TA-01-192KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00L25RF78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509791385&sr=8-1&keywords=xduoo+ta-01

Not sure how the OP can put this in the chain and achieve level control. Imo, OP needs to replace the Onkyo rather than add anything to the setup.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank you! What kind of unit would you recommend? I have a Mackie Mix5 Mixer, but it doesn`t sound convincing with it.... my budget is around 150-250 pounds...

What do you mean the mixer "doesn't sound convincing"?

 

[Milan Simon]

It`s really "noisy". What about this one in between the phono preamp and the active monitors? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tisbury-Audio-Mini-Passive-Preamp-II-Stepped-Attenuator-Pre-Amplifier-/171062829201

 

[PENG]

Milan, why are you using the Onkyo at all? The Rega Fono has a level control.

Not sure how the OP can put this in the chain and achieve level control. Imo, OP needs to replace the Onkyo rather than add anything to the setup.

He can use it as a DAC or as preamp and it has volume control. I have one, and have in fact use it to drive a power amp.