[bigshot]

the volume pots are just different.

 

[Steve Eddy]

the volume pots are just different.

So you're saying both amps have identical gain?

se

 

[bigshot]

At the same volume, they would be the same. I don't see why it matters whether one pot goes to ten and the other goes to 11 if they have the same sound at the same output level. Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[James-uk]

What big shot said

 

[Steve Eddy]

At the same volume, they would be the same. I don't see why it matters whether one pot goes to ten and the other goes to 11 if they have the same sound at the same output level. Maybe I'm missing something.

If the gains are different, you won't get the same volume at the same setting if the pots are identical. Your saying it's because the pots are different implies the gains are identical. Was wondering what was giving you that idea.

se

 

[bigshot]

why not just turn the quiet one up a bit?

 

[Steve Eddy]

why not just turn the quiet one up a bit?

Sure, one can do that. What caught my attention though was your insisting it was the pots, that's all.

se

 

[mikeaj]

Yeah, it's likely the gains are different (and also the pots). You could measure the outputs and inputs with some constant test signal with pots at max to see what the gains are.

 

[bigshot]

I'd just listen to music and not worry about it.

 

[Yahzi]

Sure, one can do that. What caught my attention though was your insisting it was the pots, that's all.

se

So the difference in gain structure and volume pot from one amp to the next could explain the subjective terms such as 'laid-back', 'sterile', 'warm' etc?

 

[bigshot]

Not with volume matching

 

[Steve Eddy]

So the difference in gain structure and volume pot from one amp to the next could explain the subjective terms such as 'laid-back', 'sterile', 'warm' etc?

It certainly can, yes. It's been well known for a long time that simple differences in volume can be subjectively perceived as differences in quality. This is something that has been taken advantage of by less than honest salespeople for many years, making sure that the system they want to sell is played slightly louder than those that they don't. This is why serious research into audio makes sure to precisely match levels to remove that variable.

se

 

[Mezzo]

Steve, if one amp has a different gain structure to another, does that mean one amp can apply more power over a more narrow portion of the volume pot compared to another?
 
Like some amps may need you to wind them up, if they have a lower gain. It's interesting, because there are times where more powerful amps tend to sound softer at a relative position, and it could because the pot and gain isn't sensitive over a narrow zone, but more so over a wider area.

 

[Matrixnobu]

I also noticed that the better the reproduced sound or music. The quieter it seems subjectively. So I seem to turn up really awesome equipment to crazy levels before I realize that it's kinda loud.

 

[cswann1]

  I also noticed that the better the reproduced sound or music. The quieter it seems subjectively. So I seem to turn up really awesome equipment to crazy levels before I realize that it's kinda loud.

 
 
It's only natural to crank it up.  Anyone who ever enjoyed live music performances knows that it's generally not "background" music, unless someone has just entering into a legally binding agreement and there's a big cake in the room. So when listening to recorded music we want to hear it at live performance volumes.