Can you adjust the gain on Ref 5?

[Banter]

I find even at volume at 1 it is very loud. Is there a way to adjust the gain?
Most of my sources do not have volume level controls. Same issue with Ref 5 now I have brand new Ref 5SE.

[Dafos]

Gain on the ref 5 cannot be adjusted. I believe there is something wrong with your units volume control calibration. Is this true with all sources? You may have also inadvertently hooked a component to the ht bypass input which effectively bypasses the volume control.

[TMcD]

Something sounds strange. I play mine at between 20 and 50 most of the time. At 1 the music is very soft. Give ARC a call, they will help you out.

[Banter]

The issue is with ALL the sources. At day time I listen at volume level 3 to 4, but late at night when it is quite, I turn down the volume to 1. I would like to bring it down half a notch further down.

My amp is BAT VK-600 SE and the speakers are Monitor Audio PL200.

I had the same issue with Ref. 5 and now I have the whole new Ref. 5se (not upgrated), So I think there is a miss match somewhere.

No HT/processor connection issue here.

No issue with my McIntosh summer system with same speakers.

[SundayNiagara]

What is the sensitivity spec on your amp?

[Banter]

Specifications

Output Power into 8 Ω / 4 Ω
(Both at less than 0.2% THD) 300W / 600W
Frequency Response 2Hz to 250kHz
Input Impedance 100 kΩ
Gain 26dB
Dimensions 19" x 9.5" x 23"
Remote Control 12V Trigger Input and Output
Weight 110lb.


Features

Two Gain Stages
Zero Global Feedback Design
Fully Balanced - Input to Output
Dual Monoblock Construction
Oil Capacitor SUPER-PAKTM
Optional BAT-PAKTM
All N-Channel MOSFET Circuit

[SundayNiagara]

You didn't list the sensitivity spec, (how much voltage does the amp require to drive it to full output) the lower the number, the higher the sensitivity. This may be the problem you are having.

[Banter]

I posted what was on their website. I could phone them, but may not be able to ask the right question - till I read up more on this.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Banter

I posted what was on their website. I could phone them, but may not be able to ask the right question - till I read up more on this.

Banter...I just checked their website too and no info. You can send them an email (or phone them) and just ask them for the "voltage input sensitivity" of the amp. They will specify it as 2.4 V RMS (as an example). They may also tell you what the gain is in dB into 8 or 4 ohms. This will help answer if your Ref5SE is mismatched from a sensitivity perspective with the VK-600SE.

You can tell them the specs on the Ref 5SE (output: 2V RMS in Balanced mode and 1V RMS in Single-ended mode; Gain: 12dB Balanced; and 6dB Single-ended) and ask them if there is too much gain or a sensitivity mismatch between your preamp and amp because you are driving the amp with the volume in low single digits and it is quite loud already).

[SundayNiagara]

CMALAK:
After looking at the REF5 specs I have arrived at the same conclusion.

Banter:
Have you tried running the same combination single-ended?