AV Pre-outs to Drive Fronts

[admin_exported]

I have a Yamaha DSP-AX763, with the front L and R pre-outs connected to the line-in of my stereo amp. This is so I can use fronts for music and AV.

The volume on the stereo amp has a digital readout which can go from 0 to 79.

For a music source (CD) I need to set stereo amp at 38 for decent loudness, but with AV I have to set at 55-60 or higher. I thought line level was generally standard at 2v. I have a feeling that the voltage from the AV amp's pre-out may be 1v.

I have lifted the fronts by 8db (max is 10db) to try to boost, and reduced the output for centre conected to AV amp by 8db. This means I set my stereo amp around 50ish, which is still high, and doesn't leave much room for adjustment.

- Why is there a difference in line-in levels between CD and AV pre-outs?

- Will these levels reduce the longevity of my equipment?

- What Can I do about this? Another draw back is the volume being left at 60, and putting a CD on without remembering to turn down to 38.

I am a bit worried, so help on this would be gratefully received.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

TNTTNT:
I have a Yamaha DSP-AX763, with the front L and R pre-outs connected to the line-in of my stereo amp. This is so I can use fronts for music and AV.

The volume on the stereo amp has a digital readout which can go from 0 to 79.

For a music source (CD) I need to set stereo amp at 38 for decent loudness, but with AV I have to set at 55-60 or higher. I thought line level was generally standard at 2v. I have a feeling that the voltage from the AV amp's pre-out may be 1v.

I have lifted the fronts by 8db (max is 10db) to try to boost, and reduced the output for centre conected to AV amp by 8db. This means I set my stereo amp around 50ish, which is still high, and doesn't leave much room for adjustment.

- Why is there a difference in line-in levels between CD and AV pre-outs?

- Will these levels reduce the longevity of my equipment?

- What Can I do about this? Another draw back is the volume being left at 60, and putting a CD on without remembering to turn down to 38.

I am a bit worried, so help on this would be gratefully received.

No need to worry. I used to have the Sony STR-DA1200es and I had a similar problem. Now, I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I was using the infamous Gotham interconnects between my receiver and my amp and I had to turn it up a lot for it to be decent sound. However, I upgraded to the new Sony 3400es and bought a much better interconnect (the Chord Chameleon Silver Plus). Since then, I've had no problem whatsoever.

I can understand the bit about forgetting to lower the volume when you put a cd in. Luckily my amp has fixed input setting so that my AV input cannot be turned up or down and when I switch to cd, it goes back to what it was the last time I played a cd. What amp do you have and what cable are using?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gerardasnails, I appreciate the reply. I wonder if in your original case and my current one, if upgrading interconnects would minimise signal loss. I have quite a long cable, which I could cut down.

I checked the manual, and the max output on pre-outs is 1v, which explain why I have to turn my stereo amp to double normal position. I am more worried about not turning down the stereo amp and not blowing ears and speakers on CD listening.

I can't turn up the AV amp to compensate, because it makes the centre too loud.

I wonder if anyone knows of an hi-fi grade mini signal amp which could boost the signal to line 2v. If there other ways round, suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

TNTTNT:
Thanks Gerardasnails, I appreciate the reply. I wonder if in your original case and my current one, if upgrading interconnects would minimise signal loss. I have quite a long cable, which I could cut down.

I checked the manual, and the max output on pre-outs is 1v, which explain why I have to turn my stereo amp to double normal position. I am more worried about not turning down the stereo amp and not blowing ears and speakers on CD listening.

I can't turn up the AV amp to compensate, because it makes the centre too loud.

I wonder if anyone knows of an hi-fi grade mini signal amp which could boost the signal to line 2v. If there other ways round, suggestions would be appreciated.

Can't you lower the level of your centre speaker on your receiver so that you can turn the volume up more?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

TNTTNT:
Thanks Gerardasnails, I appreciate the reply. I wonder if in your original case and my current one, if upgrading interconnects would minimise signal loss. I have quite a long cable, which I could cut down.

I checked the manual, and the max output on pre-outs is 1v, which explain why I have to turn my stereo amp to double normal position. I am more worried about not turning down the stereo amp and not blowing ears and speakers on CD listening.

I can't turn up the AV amp to compensate, because it makes the centre too loud.

I wonder if anyone knows of an hi-fi grade mini signal amp which could boost the signal to line 2v. If there other ways round, suggestions would be appreciated.

I just checked the spec on my old receiver and it was 2v for the front speakers. So, maybe it is the quality of the connection with the interconnect? How long is your cable and what make is it?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gerrard for the tip. Sadly I think my low level into my stereo amp is much more than cable related. I cannot believe that the Yamaha feeds such a feeble signal out of the pre-out. They must have known people would route to other amps to have provided the pre-outs in the first place. Half the std line level is a bit annoying.

My other conclusion is it is a case of like it or lump it, and to be grateful for what I have - great AV and a good stereo amp.