Amp volume knob problem.

[killa]

So I have a emotiva mini x amp and I may be crazy but it seems to sound a lot better if I have my ps3 hooked directly to it using rca's rather than through my pre/pro. The only problem with doing this is that the volume knob ( Think it acts more as a gain knob?) is too sensitive. When at low volume the channels don't have even output. When turned up it all evens out. Is there a way to adjust this? I think I read about a similar problem with the little dayton amps a long time ago.

[AJ]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

Typically, it's the pot itself. Low quality pots will have uneven tapers, giving the problem you're experiencing. You could open it up and see if there's space for a higher quality pot like an Alps RK27.

EDIT: Before opening it I'd try calling Emotiva, and see if they have a fix.

[dthomas]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

So I have a emotiva mini x amp and I may be crazy but it seems to sound a lot better if I have my ps3 hooked directly to it using rca's rather than through my pre/pro. The only problem with doing this is that the volume knob ( Think it acts more as a gain knob?) is too sensitive. When at low volume the channels don't have even output. When turned up it all evens out. Is there a way to adjust this? I think I read about a similar problem with the little dayton amps a long time ago.

Sounds like you have a bad volume pot on the amp. This is an integrated amp so having a preamp could cause you to overdrive the amp's input which explains why it sounds better with out it. But the non linear adjustment sounds like you got a problem with amp's preamp circuit or the volume pot itself.

[killa]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

Typically, it's the pot itself. Low quality pots will have uneven tapers, giving the problem you're experiencing. You could open it up and see if there's space for a higher quality pot like an Alps RK27.

EDIT: Before opening it I'd try calling Emotiva, and see if they have a fix.

I'm not afraid to open it up :D I was wondering though could I put a resistor on the rca input? Obviously this might limit the amps full volume output but it might allow for the knob to be turned a little more so it reaches the point where the sound evens out.

[killa]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

Sounds like you have a bad volume pot on the amp. This is an integrated amp so having a preamp could cause you to overdrive the amp's input which explains why it sounds better with out it. But the non linear adjustment sounds like you got a problem with amp's preamp circuit or the volume pot itself.

I am pretty sure it is just the pot as it sounds fine at higher volumes but sometimes people are sleeping so it needs to be a little quieter. Would overdriving the amps input cause it to sound compressed/less dynamic range?

[dthomas]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

I am pretty sure it is just the pot as it sounds fine at higher volumes but sometimes people are sleeping so it needs to be a little quieter. Would overdriving the amps input cause it to sound compressed/less dynamic range?

Sure overdriving it would cause the preamp section to have no headroom left (compressed and lacking dynamics). Integrated amps like the emotiva don't need a preamp and there is probably a limit to how much voltage they will take on the input. Usually only .7 to 1V P-P is all that is required to drive them to full power. A good preamp could easily put out 5V or more so yes the preamp was probably an issue.

If it is out of warranty replacing the volume pot is a simple fix. Just need to ascertain the type of pot you have. Emotiva could probably help you out.

[killa]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

I was just thinking when I have my preamp hooked up I have the volume knob on the amp all the way up. Could this cause any sounds issues?

[killa]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

Sure overdriving it would cause the preamp section to have no headroom left (compressed and lacking dynamics). Integrated amps like the emotiva don't need a preamp and there is probably a limit to how much voltage they will take on the input. Usually only .7 to 1V P-P is all that is required to drive them to full power. A good preamp could easily put out 5V or more so yes the preamp was probably an issue.

I assume the voltage is related to the volume so at lower volumes it wouldn't be overdriven as easily?

[killa]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

I checked emo site and the mini x only takes .6V to reach full output driving 8ohms.I think I am starting to understand. I need a new amp! :D But i still want to make this one more functional.

[dthomas]

Re: Amp volume knob problem.

I was just thinking when I have my preamp hooked up I have the volume knob on the amp all the way up. Could this cause any sounds issues?

Your PS3 has more than enough output to drive the Emotiva direct. You just need to get the volume control issue fixed.