LS26 v Ref 5 Gain question

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by Mikeoz

I am sure the ref5se would be a big step up and a better match for the rest of my system. However I am concerned about the Gain setting - as mentioned above on paper it's the same as the Low setting on my LS26 which is too quiet with my current set up.

If it's somewhere between the Low and Medium in reality it should be fine

What volume setting do you tend to play your LS26 at if you CD is on the medium input setting?

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by TMcD

What volume setting do you tend to play your LS26 at if you CD is on the medium input setting?

Generally between 20 - 30. On the low setting I wasn't getting decent volume on certain CDs below 50. I know the scale goes above 100 but the power amp seems to run cooler with the medium setting and I prefer the finer sensitivity when I adjust the volume.

[cmalak]

Mike...what dB levels do you typically listen to? I must listen at way lower levels than you guys because when I had the LS-26 (6 yrs ago) I used to listen at around 15-20 on the medium setting (but I was sitting only 9 ft from the speakers). When I moved to the Ref 3 I listened at around 10-15, which is where I keep it for most of my listening sessions. I think the Ref 3 and Ref 5 gain levels are not too different. My typical listening sessions measure around 60-70 dBs and I now sit about 12 feet from my speakers. I don't think moving to the Ref 5SE should be a problem for you. There should be plenty of headroom.

[Mikeoz]

Hi Cyril that's interesting and suggests the Gain on the Ref 3/5 is a lot higher than the spec suggests - which is good news.

I sit 9' from the speakers is a 18' room and listen around 80-85 dbs. I don't think we are that far apart.

[TMcD]

I think you will be fine, you should have plenty of gain.

[MPS]

Originally Posted by TMcD

I think you will be fine, you should have plenty of gain.

I have REF3 with ARC power amp and speakers which are about 87dB/m/W and I never use pre amplifier for gain - REF3 has gain of 1 at about volume setting 66, until that point it operates as attenuator. Having quite high output sources though.. Normal listening volume setting is 15-30.

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by MPS

I have REF3 with ARC power amp and speakers which are about 87dB/m/W and I never use pre amplifier for gain - REF3 has gain of 1 at about volume setting 66, until that point it operates as attenuator. Having quite high output sources though.. Normal listening volume setting is 15-30.

The CD8 definitely has a lower output than my previous CD5. I'd say 15-30 is where I'm at with the medium gain on the LS26 and I think it sounds better than the same volume with the low setting - but perhaps that's in my mind.

When I upgrade I hope it's a similar range because I find it a pain in the ass dialling in those big numbers

[MPS]

Hmm.. looks like you don't need extra gain at all.
I have CD7 which outputs higher voltage than normal through balanced connection if I remember correctly it's about 4 volts nominal. Also Phono REF2 using high gain balanced output almost matched CD with BM Ruby cartridge.
Depends on input sensitivity and nominal power output of your amplifier and of course sensitivity of your speakers.
In studio environment ppl prefer to optimize for high signal levels for cleaner sound.