Basic Amp Pre-Amp question

[LHawes]

Hope I ask this correctly. I have a SqueezeBox that plays flac (wav) files from my computer playing directly into an ATI 1502 150 watts per channel Amp and it sounds great.

The volume is controlled by the SqueezeBox's audio out and at its highest level (40) it is not overwhelming but gets too loud pretty quick.

Now when I run the SB audio outs into my HK 3480 (120 watts per channel) receiver, out through the pre-outs and, then to the ATI, with the SB turned up to 40, if I turn up the HK it will hurtcha, it is SOOO much louder.

So my question is, where does the volume come from? I mean 40 out of the SB into the AMP should get as loud as 40 through the receiver into the AMP shouldn't it?

I don't get what happens in the receiver that can cause the volume to increase so much.

Thanks for any input

 

[Haoleb]

your HK reciever has a seperate preamp section that either attenuates or boosts the signal being fed to it by the squeezebox. The maximum output of the squeezebox isint as much of that of your HK's preamp. Your ATI amp is only a power amp so it does not have this feature. If the squeezebox did not have a built in volume control you would not be able to use it by plugging it in directly to the ATI like you are now, otherwise it would only be at one volume, Which can be too loud for most souces like CDP and such.

Preamps are also sometimes reffered to as control amps because they handle the input switching and volume control. The power amp simply amplifies.

 

[BucketMaster900]

I wonder, you said it sounded loud, but was it distorted or bad in any other way?

 

[LHawes]

your HK reciever has a seperate preamp section that either attenuates or boosts the signal being fed to it by the squeezebox. The maximum output of the squeezebox isint as much of that of your HK's preamp. Your ATI amp is only a power amp so it does not have this feature. If the squeezebox did not have a built in volume control you would not be able to use it by plugging it in directly to the ATI like you are now, otherwise it would only be at one volume, Which can be too loud for most souces like CDP and such.

Preamps are also sometimes reffered to as control amps because they handle the input switching and volume control. The power amp simply amplifies.

REALLY appreciate such a great clear answer Haoleb. Had no idea how those parts worked together.

 

[LHawes]

I wonder, you said it sounded loud, but was it distorted or bad in any other way?

Bucket, it was not distorted nor did it sound bad in any other way. I was just woner where 'volume' came from.

I'll probably leave it like it is, without the 3480 in the signal chain, as it seems a bit smoother on the high end and still goes plenty loud.

Thanks for the help

Larry