Radio Road

Variable output (volume)knob in tuners.

75.111.12.83

sanman

My Dynaco tuner has a volume knob. So I hooked it up directly to my Magnavox tube amp and the sound is quite good. Is there any actual advantage to the direct hookup versus going through a preamp? Obviously it is more convenient to run everything through the preamp. I am wondering if there is any theoretical or proven sound quality difference in the two approaches?
"When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
Steely Dan

Follow Ups:

RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - 6bq5 22:24:21 04/28/25 (2)
Many of the tuners pre 1980, or so have two sets of outputs: Fixed & Variable
the variable are great fro pre-amps w/ low /passive line stages and CX stations
I have a few McIntosh and Fischer tuners w/ fixed & Variable Outputs - depends upon the system I hook them up with,,,

Happy Listening
- RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - sanman 08:01:47 04/29/25 (1)
  So do you keep the tuner volume up high and then add the preamp volume as needed?
  "When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
  Steely Dan
  - RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - 6bq5 09:21:03 04/29/25 (0)
    If the pre-amp has sufficient gain, I will use the fixed output.
    If I am not using a pre, or the pre is passive, I'll use the variable...
    a matter of choice
    I am not sure that there is a great deal of difference w/ the Output sound quality 1 versus the other...
    Happy Listening
RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - Rod M 17:45:16 04/27/25 (0)
I had a Fisher 200B with a volume control that I used in my office with Bottlehead 300B amps and Merlin speakers. Sounded wonderful.

If you aren't using any other components for switching, there's no reason to add a preamp.

-Rod
RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - stellavox 08:34:42 04/27/25 (1)
Agree with M3 lover - direct thru.

You're lucky that your tuner has enough gain to power your amp directly. Many amps don't have the necessary gain, and that's why a preamp (or a line stage with gain) is necessary.

Enjoy
- RE: Variable output (volume)knob in tuners. - sanman 17:31:10 04/27/25 (0)
  Yes, luckily plenty of gain so that is not an issue. Acoustically it's a pretty close comparison between direct hookup and the preamp. However, it is kind of novel and fun to just turn on the tuner and turn it up.
  "When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
  Steely Dan
proven quality difference? - M3 lover 07:35:19 04/27/25 (0)
Just an opinion, but the less wire, connectors, and electrical parts the signal passes through the better.

But the real question, which way sounds best to you?

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Parts Connexion