LP vs CD Volume levels on a 52

Posted by: Neil Bennett on 11 February 2002

I assume there's a good reason/nothing to be done about this, but thought I'd check anyway!

The observation is that the volume levels of the CDX/XPS into input 3 of the 52 are much higher at a given volume knob setting than the LP12, using a 52-powered Prefix into input 2. I guess this is due to the different output voltages, but the question is whether anything can be done to make them closer in level, automatically; preferably the LP12 louder, of course! (It's just tiresome when you switch from the LP12 to the CD, having forgotten to lower the control from 2 o'clock to 10 o'clock and have to put the Doris back into the skin she's just jumped out of! Although, for once she has a point: 2 o'clock for the CD is LOUD!!, whereas for the LP12 is scarcely even loud!).

Any suggestions (other than remembering to lower the volume before switching)?

Posted on: 11 February 2002 by Paul Ranson
Trade your 52 for a Linn Kairn and loads of cash. You can program each input on the Kairn with a volume offset, as you switch it fades down the old and then fades up the new to the old volume plus the offset.

So you set CD up at '-10' and everything pretty much matches.

I'm slightly surprised that the 52 doesn't do this, it's a relatively no compromise way of level matching. I hear that Naim's attentuated or variable inputs don't sound as good as the 'raw' ones.

I realise this isn't a very helpful reply, perhaps the 552 will address this issue?

Paul

Posted on: 11 February 2002 by Claus
I really like the sound from the Naim preamps, especially the 82 and 52.

The only thing that keeps annoying me sometimes is that line level sources (cd, tuner) usually seem to deliver "too much" output for the preamp - or the sensitivity of the pre is too high. For very low level listening it's a bit difficult finding the right level, and I have also wondered if the fact that you extensively use the same 5-10% of the potentiometer range is causing it to "wear out" prematurely?

In the new line of preamps (+ Nait5?) you can adjust this. I guess this is done without any significant negative effects on the sound.

Wouldn't it be possible for Naim to incorporate this into existing preamps (102, 82, 52)? Perhaps for just 1-2 inputs, leaving the others unmodified and 100% optimal sounding.

Or should I just buy a Sony cdplayer with adjustable output? wink

Regards,
Claus

-who actually IS quite happy with my current system.

Posted on: 11 February 2002 by David Ng
Neil,

I'm impressed by the fact that you can listen to the CDX/XPS at two o'clock. Is your set up active? I'm usind passive DBLs and the loudest I ever go for my CDX is 11 o'clock (for CDs with low output), and its is VERY LOUD, lots of crunch and body massage...

For my LP12, I usually played at one to two o'clock. Its a bit of a hastle having to remember to lower the volume before switching sources. Especially when I indulge in switching and comparing the sound of remastered CDs and LPs.

Hope there's is quick and easy way to change this without deteriorating the sound.

Posted on: 12 February 2002 by Neil Bennett
It's through 2x135's passive into SBL's. I was saying that for CD's I have to turn it down to 10 o'clock from the 2 o'clock that's alright for the LP12. 2 o'clock for the CD is only for that few seconds after I switch over before turning it down, having forgotten to do so in advance!