Power amps with variable gain?

H

heihei

New member
Joined
May 15, 2017
Messages
123
Location
Guildford, UK
Looking at the feasibility of running some solid state power on the bass of my system to help the Bernings out a bit. As such, I'd need to either very carefully match the gain, or get a power amp that has variable gain. The CH precision power amps have this feature - anyone know of anything a bit more cost effective??
 
I just sold an older Hafler 9180 that had front panel adjustment knobs for gain. Several other Hafler models in similar range have them.
 
Those are input attenuators, most pro amps have them; they don't vary the gain of the amplifier.

Bryston Pro range also has input attenuators to -14dB but the max gain is 29dB so they're useless in this case.

From the UK the OP could try the studio range from MC2 Audio, only balanced inputs and Speakon outputs though.

http://www.mc2-audio.co.uk/products/s-series/
 
Good point re: CH vs Bernings in terms of gain. I guess I could find someone willing to custom-make something with the required gain.
 
heihei said:
Good point re: CH vs Bernings in terms of gain. I guess I could find someone willing to custom-make something with the required gain.
Click to expand...

I know you live in the UK but you should give Frank Van Alstine from AVAHIFI a call and see if he can put gain controls on any of his R series, Synergy or DVA amps. He does ship overseas. I live about 3 minutes from him and I have written forum reviews of his gear for him. His R series and DVA series amps easily compete with my Pass amp at 1/2 the price. His new mono blocks will give $10K plus amps a run for the money. TAS magazine loves his gear and many have won product of the year. His gear does not have all the bling but that is one way he keeps the cost down. They are built to last and his customer service is second to none. He has a large following on the Audio Circles forum along with a Manufacturer site. If you decide to call, he will answer his phone unless he is at Axpona.

His R series amps put out deeper and tighter bass than my Pass. They also have more air, transparency and detail.

https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers
 
I own an Accuphase A70 Class A amp which has 3 gain settings. In my opinion, the Accuphase is competitive with any top tier amp from other manufacturers.
Anshul

heihei said:
Looking at the feasibility of running some solid state power on the bass of my system to help the Bernings out a bit. As such, I'd need to either very carefully match the gain, or get a power amp that has variable gain. The CH precision power amps have this feature - anyone know of anything a bit more cost effective??
Click to expand...
 
The Accuphase amps have a max gain of 28dB so they don't match the Berning gain wise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top