LS27 & REF 5 gain question

[PHC1]

Shane, any of the krells will do. I don't think the Strads are hard to drive per say, it's just that they really come alive as a fast amp like krell sharpens their transients, tightens up the bass and brings out the very best out of them without destroying their musicality. I prefer the newer Krell's though. I heard the strads with Evo 900's and the 400, equally good.

As far as treatments, would triangular bass traps work better than tubes for your room layout?

RealTraps - MegaTraps

[turntable]

Serge

Not without moving almost roof high lp cabinets that hold 400 lp's each

[doug1956]

I have found that when listening to CDs on my LS27 that I am often forced
to use a very low volume setting (8-10 or less) on the low gain setting of the
pre-amp, or it is just too loud. No doubt this is due to many CDs being
mastered too loud. Also, I am using a balanced connection from my CD
player (Ayre C5XE-MP). Will the sound quality be compromised by using
such low volume settings?

[Ritmo]

Should not be compromised. I used the low gain setting most of the time when I had the LS27 several years ago.

[Mikeoz]

It's an interesting question. I assume the tubes run hotter at higher volume settings and there must be an optimal operating temperature ? Perhaps this isn't the case. 8-10 on low gain must be very quiet even using CD. I also use low gain with a Krell 302 and typically dial in 30-35 with CD.

If higher gain is superior (as suggested in the manual) why is the ref 5 set at low. I find high gain far too loud with my set up.