Volume variation - should it really be so different?

Posted by: Belfast Taxman on 12 February 2016

So my 272/250dr combo has been with me for almost a month now and overall seems to warming up nicely. Initially I only had Tidal Hi-Fi/Spotify Premium as a source and I find that I cannot get the volume dial much over 50 before it started sounding harsh. I should add that the Internet connection is wireless.

By week two, having got my interconnects sorted out (Linn Blacks), I was able to start playing my CD player (a Marantz 8003 SACD) and I found I could up the volume to about 56-58 without any sign of damaging effects.

Today, at last, I have hooked up my LP12 to the amps via a Stageline powered by my old Hicap (recapped especially for the occasion). As for the volume setting, well, so far, 80 seems no problem!

The amps are driving a pair of Linn Kan's.

Should I be worried about this difference, and, if so, what to do about it (without vast quantities of cash please)?

Posted on: 12 February 2016 by CharlieP

It is common for different sources to be at different levels.  Your manual will likely tell you how to set the input level for different sources in the 272, from the  Naim app (I think).

Posted on: 12 February 2016 by hungryhalibut

Spotify and to a lesser extent Tidal are not very good quality, so it's harder to push the volume. With a decent signal you can turn it up louder. I've run mine at 60 for very short periods, and it's extremely loud, but totally clean. As you why you can turn up the record player more, it's simply because its output is lower. 

You know, don't you, that you can trim the various inputs, via the app, to get everything sounding the same level, so radio, CD, records, upnp will all sound equally loud at a given volume setting? You know also, of course, that listening too loud for too long will irretrievably damage your hearing. 

Posted on: 12 February 2016 by Belfast Taxman

HH - thank you for that; you're not my long lost father are you?

Seriously I appreciate what you say about output 

 

Posted on: 13 February 2016 by Geko

Only if your name is Luke Skywalker!