Volume/Power Question

Early B.

Since I got my new speakers (Taylo ref. mon.), whenever I turn up the volume past the 12 o'clock point, the volume doesn't seem to rise very much. It appears as though my amp isn't interested in pumping out more power. I didn't have this issue with my previous speakers (the sensitivities of both speakers are similar (87 vs. 88), but I went from 5 1/4 to 6 1/2 inch drivers with more bass, if that makes any difference). I very rarely have a need to turn my volume beyond 12 o'clock, but today I had some friends over and while I was showing off my system, I turned up the dial, but the volume didn't rise accordingly. Anyone ever run into this "problem" before? I'm just wondering if I have reached the power limits of my amp or not...

Thanks.


P.S. -- I should also mention that the only minor complaint about my system is that it needs to be a bit a more dynamic, at times. Not sure if I need to roll tubes, try different interconnects or speaker cables, get a sub, or play around with the speakers. I already know my placement sucks 'cause of major room limitations.

F1nut

Sounds like the amp has run outta steam.

Early B.

OK, so if the amp begins to run out of steam beyond 12 o'clock, is there any value to getting a more powerful amp for low to moderate listening levels?

Thought about it some more. I think a sub will help for the dynamic issue. Had a sub running with the previous speakers, but whenever I turned the sub off, it lost a little punch.

VR3

Speaking of subs...lol

You (Early) should REALLY check out Behringers Studio subwoofer (8" woofer) - 300 watt amp - 32hz response...

Thing is insanely musical and well worth the look - cost almost nothing.

http://www.behringer.com/B2092A/index.cfm?lang=ENG

mulveling

Early B. wrote:

Since I got my new speakers (Taylo ref. mon.), whenever I turn up the volume past the 12 o'clock point, the volume doesn't seem to rise very much. It appears as though my amp isn't interested in pumping out more power. I didn't have this issue with my previous speakers (the sensitivities of both speakers are similar (87 vs. 88), but I went from 5 1/4 to 6 1/2 inch drivers with more bass, if that makes any difference). I very rarely have a need to turn my volume beyond 12 o'clock, but today I had some friends over and while I was showing off my system, I turned up the dial, but the volume didn't rise accordingly. Anyone ever run into this "problem" before? I'm just wondering if I have reached the power limits of my amp or not...

Thanks.


P.S. -- I should also mention that the only minor complaint about my system is that it needs to be a bit a more dynamic, at times. Not sure if I need to roll tubes, try different interconnects or speaker cables, get a sub, or play around with the speakers. I already know my placement sucks 'cause of major room limitations.

The power amp could be at fault, but did you consider it might actually be the preamp? The power amp is just going to amplify what it's fed by a fixed amount - and the preamp is what feeds it. When a poweramp runs out of steam I think you'd hear clipping, which you didn't indicate. When a preamp runs out of steam, you have to turn that volume dial a LOT for a little gain.

I've had issues with a preamp too weak for the task - the PS Audio PCA2 pre has to be pushed HARD to get my system cranking on certain CDs, and with DVDs I have to turn the dial way too damn much to get loud. When I swap in a Melos SHA-Gold or Sugden Headmaster as pre (no other changes), I don't have a problem - volume control is linear and I don't have to turn the dial more the 8:30 on the Sugden or 9:30 on the Melos (and that's LOUD). Funny, since my poweramp is a PS Audio HCA-2 (thought the PCA2 would match better). BTW the PCA2 lacks in dynamics compared to the other preamps, similar to your complaint. The Melos/Sugden sound more dynamic even at lower volumes. I guess if the HCA2/PCA2 combo features a week pre, this could be a problem with some integrated amps too. It's nice to be able to swap out preamps, they really do make a big difference in the sound.

I've also noticed with headphone systems (a headphone amp is basically a speaker preamp) that some headphone amps need serious working of the volume dial to get past a certain volume level with low-efficiency headphones.

I've got some Taylo Ref Monitors too, btw - they sound real nice with tube gear in the chain (my Melos)

Early B.

mulveling wrote:

The power amp could be at fault, but did you consider it might actually be the preamp?

I'm using a Jolida 502A - a tube integrated amp with 60 wpc.

mulveling

Early B. wrote:

I'm using a Jolida 502A - a tube integrated amp with 60 wpc.

Right, but an integrated is just a preamp and a power amp in one box. I'd be suspicious that the preamp section isn't as powerful as it could be - it's not tapping into what the power amp section might be capable of. Of course if that's the case then there's not much you can do short of a new integrated or going separates (I don't suppose your integrated has a "pre-in"). Your complaints sound just like what I experienced with the PS Audio PCA2/HCA2 combo.

madmax

I've had the same problem with seperates too but the 502 has a really robust preamp section. Have you tried the other taps for the speakers by chance?
madmax

Early B.

madmax wrote:

Have you tried the other taps for the speakers by chance?
madmax

Not sure why, but this works!! Max, if you were a pretty, voluptuous woman with a cute butt, I'd kiss you.

Although the Taylos are rated at 8 ohms, I switched to the 4 ohm taps and it seems to give them a little more power beyond 12 o'clock.

tryrrthg

Does this happen if you take your new tripplite out of the mix? There is a chance your new tripplite is limiting the current to your amp...

Early B.

tryrrthg wrote:

Does this happen if you take your new tripplite out of the mix? There is a chance your new tripplite is limiting the current to your amp...

NM. OK, I'll try that.

madmax

Actually, I would have initially thought that moving from the 8 ohm taps to the 4 ohm taps would have made it worse but I keep getting the logic mixed up between SS and tubes. It appears that the speakers are needing more current thus they must have a real life impedance lower than your previous speakers, at least in relation to the ratings.
madmax

organ

Glad to hear you got the problem sorted out. I'm also using the 4 Ohm output taps on my speakers. Sounds more powerful and bass performance is beter.