. A pure signal always has a single frequency component where voltage varies positive and negative by an equal amount. Adjust the gain. The preamp defines the bandwidth (4-5Hz to 150kHz) as well. If an amplifier's distortion rises at very low power, that's likely a sign of crossover distortion. This combination of volume and preamp gain will create distortion as explained above, the gain exceeding the voltage capacity, causing the sound waves to . At a guitar volume of 10, the power chords get flubby but the single notes - especially the highs just . Answer (1 of 5): Re "Is it better to listen on low input sound levels and high volume on the stereo amp or the other way around?": Neither. Reply Quote. It provides twice the power of the L30 at higher impedances, while maintaining the same ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. At a guitar volume of 7, you're right in that great midrange classic crunchy rock Marshall tone. It's recommended that you put your hand on the tubes, and if you are unable to keep your hands on for ten seconds, they are overheated. I've been googling but not finding anything. There are several ways to fix speaker distortion at low volume and high volume. Sometimes you can get lucky and slightly warp the speaker frame enough so the voice coil no longer rubs. Always ensure the amplifier volume is low, as this will restrict instant feedback. on some of sony's receivers, the section of the main board where the display board ribbon cable connects can get broken. hum. If you sweep a sine wave tone through the speakers the distortion will be very obvious at certain frequencies. You can limit the volume by 30-50% and still get great sound quality. It may be sensible to limit the current flow to the faulty stage before it blows again. Actually, most guitar amps have a substantial amount of distortion even in "clean" mode and at low levels if you measure it, only, in a good tube amp this comes over more as a pleasant kind of soft-compression. Any idea what the proble: Distortion with z906. Its usually masked at medium and high power levels, but is unmasked at low volume levels. When an instrument sends a hot signal into your system. Switch to a powered subwoofer. Headphones sound distortion S8: Distorted sound using mixer+amplifier: Weird distorted headphones sound: Headphone Sound Distorted: Connectded my crosley turntable to my new integra 7.1 phono jack and sounds distorted and low volume. Tube amp tone distortion is known for being 'warmer' 'smoother' and more 'natural' sounding than solid state amps. $80. Definition: Distortion in Amplifier basically implies the variation in the waveform received at the output with respect to the applied input. This video about tube amp preamp and power tube illustrates what I mean: Some of the big amps like the Marshall YJM100 (and I think the AFD100) have a power scaling knob to adjust between 100 watts down to 0.1 watt. Hence, you will find that the gain knob on the amps is labeled "PREAMP" on the channels. Nov 9, 2008 #4 fenderhutz We previously looked at harmonic distortion from clipping, so we will just touch on. I have a Fender Princeton 65 Reverb 15W (tube amp) and my son has a Peavey ValveKing 212 100W (tube amp) and we don't have the problem you mentioned on low volume. Turn the input sensitivity control on the amplifier all the way down. I have a 40hz test tone playing, and am supposed to turn . An amplifier consistently offers great sound at high and low volume with no distortion from your car speakers. The amplifier only has 9 Volts to work with. if that section of the main board is an l-shaped section of board, then the following can keep it from breaking and creating a world of headaches repairing it. There are times that even the middle-range volume can distort the sound, especially for cheap, integrated amplifiers. Class A amps are free from crossover distortion, as are Class D amplifiers, and of course some Class A/B amplifiers are better in this area than others. Mode: Low Pass. . If the speakers cost more to recone than replace, worth a try. As the amplifier and components are getting hot you should be able to find the problem. Post subject: Sound distorted at low volume, Thomas 711. No distortion now after fixing them even at the lowest possible volume thank God amp didnt short. Tube amps sound. Specs. Copy. then the only solution is to go with a low-powered amplifier. An amplifier that exhibits excessive noise or distortion at loud volume levels can be unlistenable. Use equalization. Headphones amp and volume. time to dig in and troubleshoot (carefully). The settings on my amp are as follows: Bass Boost: 0dB (off) Low Pass Frequency: 12 o' clock. This amp is highly touch sensitive and it has a huge range of tones and can easily go from clean yet aggressive sounds to tasty crunch. To ensure low distortion and low noise floor U1 needs to . . Using Guitar Volume and Preamp Settings to Create Distortion. What you describe is consistent with (a) low volume, operation fully class A with Q1/2 R5/6 conducting all the time, then (b) start of class B operation, as top or bottom cut off, suddenly changing the loop gain, then (c) still class B, but the constant crossover distortion is related to a larger audio signal, so a lower ratio of distortion. The Important First Watt The 12AT7 is usually associated with the amps tone and one 12AX7A is usually the transformer tube. Ensure you have a clean, flat signal. Often not a problem with the actual speaker, but rather with the seal of the speaker to the cabinet. The distortion is the same at barely audible levels as at high volume, and the 22 gauge factory speaker wiring to the front speakers sounds phenomenal at reasonable volume levels. Common Reasons for the Tube Amp Low Volume Problem 1. All the Time Use First-Class Music Files The compressed music normally looses low and high-frequency music. 1 - 13 of 13 Posts. By turning the Master Volume down, we can now get the full distortion of the preamp stages. With a small footprint and a 30dB gain range, the TOPPING L50 is a desktop amp that fits practically anywhere and powers just about anything. The output stage uses 56 pieces 15A 200W high speed, ultra-low distortion bipolar transistors. Examining a plot of a typical amplifier's THD percent versus power output, typically shows a sharp increase in distortion at both ends of the power spectrum -- steeply rising distortion at low power levels of less than one watt, and again at the upper end of the amplifiers power output. The improvement was significant even though I was using an older pair of Magnepan 2.7QR large panel spkrs that are fairly inefficient (87db @ 1 W). For an amplifier, one percent THD is. Which distortion is least objectionable in audio amplifier? According to Crutchfield's chart, with a run of <7ft and 50-65 amps max draw (amp has 2x30A fuses) 10 gauge is fine. kasumyku. It has been fine until about a month ago. It is both a stereo amplifier as well as a mono amplifier. This is an introduction to types of distortion in Audio Amplifiers, specifically Class D Amplifiers. Study now. Currently, I keep source at 100% with Equalizer APO with Peace GUI reducing clipping then setting amp to desirable levels. If your input level is too low, your signal-to-noise ratio will be very bad. #2 You really need to check voltages around the circuit. Or, low pc volume to high volume on an amp? The unwanted alterations generated during amplification is known as distortion. The distortion in speakers can happen for many reasons: 1. My audio source is an iPhone and the load is a 50W car speaker (small, usually mounted in door). If there is a sensitivity range switch, set it to the "low" position. Disconnect the speaker (s) from the amplifier. In any case -28dB on the master volume (about 57 dB average level with peaks up to 77 dB for material adhering to such standard) isn't particularly loud IMO nor uses up a lot of amp power; OP with his speakers is likely at less than 1W at such levels, hardly clipping territory for his amp even with an extreme peak. Also, if the speakers are a low making quality, they can be simply smashed at higher volumes, regardless of the quantity of power from amplifier. The chip, input, and power are all grounded at one point, with the grounds from each channel also grounded on either side of that point. -. 5 to 15 Watts. Bring the Volume up to about 7 or 8, and with the master turned down you should hear some pretty extreme distortion. Twice the power of the L30 The L50 uses a newly redesigned NFCA circuit based on the one used in the A30 Pro. To quote the description: "It lets you get your amp's full of distortion at any volume." Share Improve this answer Tube amp sag and preamp vs power amp distortion explained 9 COMMENTS. . Sensitivity: 2-8V. I have isolated the problem to the left side of the amp. It can damage the speaker and cause distortion. You may get a little more volume, but it depends on the power . Excellent condition, with 6 inch speaker, distortion, tremolo, head phone jack,2 inputs, eq. Interestingly, I noticed an unexpected improved low volume listening performance when I switched amp type from an Aragon class AB to a class D amp of about the same wattage. Engage the low pass filter to cut off unwanted frequencies. Everything is hooked up properly using an 8AWG wiring kit, which is all this setup should take. Registered. Author Topic: distortion at low volume stereo amp (Read 3273 times) 0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Distortion a LOW volumes is often an air leak. An amp will do two things while adjusting the voltage and . Clipping happens when there's an issue between the power supply voltage and the amp. As soon as you start to hear the sound is dropping-out, you need to turn off and unplug your amp. Sometimes when nothing else is on, I'll hear the speakers pop when nothings feeding it. If you heard crackling-popping sounds, feedback, or microphonic' sounds, that's a sign that some tube is bad. Member: Joined: May Mon 17, 2010 5:47 am Posts: 1046 Location: Dowagiac, MI . Turn off all processing on the source unit and the amplifier (bass/treble, loudness, EQ, etc.). Besides that the sound is distorted, especially low frequencies. In this case the sound quality will be low at high volumes. Regular Contributor; Posts: 65; distortion at low volume stereo amp on: January 30, 2014, 03:57:25 am . Audio frequencies range from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz, so the amplifier must have good frequency response over this range (less when driving a band-limited . amplifier output clipping is from either running out of voltage, or current. JR Distortion is a concept I learned about when younger using crappy equipment. Remove Subwoofer Level Control: Not Connected. Answer (1 of 2): Harmonic distortion adds overtones that are whole number multiples of a sound wave's frequencies.Nonlinearities that give rise to amplitude distortion in audio systems are most often measured in terms of the harmonics (overtones) added to a pure sinewave fed to the system. Higher volume on pc to low volume on an amp. Check your pre-amp tubes "12AX7A" or your "12AT7" tubes. Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum October 08, 2022, 08:28:11 am . The problem is, that the output volume is very low (unconnected iPhone plays louder). On an amp with only one gain and/or volume knob you can't really get good power tube distortion at low volumes. Looks great, missing one volume knob.Works perfectly2000 Watts Per Channel at 4 Ohms.Power Output2-ohm Stereo (Per Channel): 2500W4-ohm Stereo (Per Channel): 2000W8-ohm Stereo (Per Channel): 1300W4-ohm Bridged-Mono: 5000W8-ohm Bridged-Mono: 4000WFeaturesUltra-Low Distortion: Crown's patented Grou. Wiki User. and volume. The role of J2 is to allow the use of either TDA7293 or TDA7294. A preamp will be needed to amplify a signal if the source level is too low. Gain will be the volume control that amplifies the signal that is going into the preamp. When the sound source is overloaded, it means so much sound is going through your microphone and speaker and they can't handle the level of audio which leads to distortion of your sound system. Remember, pushing the amp beyond its capacity may lead to distortion and clipping. Most amplifiers have the volume control in front of the gain stage. Most noticeable at low volume could be a different distortion mechanism (like crossover distortion) Sounds busted. Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amp Forum, 5f1 kit distortion, low volume having problem with kit build. In case you desire to store the music on the music player, at that time you should ensure you utilize quality compressors. The function of the preamp is to ensure gain of 2 and provides a possibility to invert the input signal in case we want to use the amplifier in BTL configuration. Let it sit for like 10 minutes, so all the juice is out of the wires. The sensitivity is rated @2.83v/1min 90db, nominal 6 ohm, recommended amp 30w - 120w Whereas if I use the same amp with a pair of Orb speakers (little dome speakers) the size of a decent grapefruit (advanced high-excursion 3" full range*polypropylene driver cone), I can have the volume knob turned full before I'd consider them loud. If you're familiar with Paul Gilbert, he uses hot-platesto basically heat up the tubes of his amp to get the desired tone, without of course, increasing the volume. ! They can sound like something between crossover notch and clipping. Use moderate input and output gains instead. With a power bank of 270,000 F capacitors, the H30A can handle even the most challenging piece of music at any volume. Level: Minimum. Now, this distortion to me doesn't sound the best. rebellovw, Jul 11, 2020 #4. . Take off the back cover of your amp and you'll see the tubes easier. Overheated Tubes The vacuum tubes are prone to overheating and the overheated tubes can result in low volume output. Check for loose connections. The result is that it is not possible to clip the input signal at low volume levels but as a downside has the highest self noise which is not (or marginal) volpot position dependent. Ultra-low distortion valve hybrid amplifier - Valve Radio ), with THD of about 0.005% near clipping and obviously reducing to nill at lower power (as single ended class A does not produce . You can create distortion by merely increasing the volume of your guitar and setting the input gain high enough on your amplifier. Lowering the gain by increasing R2,R4 to 4.7k lowers the distortion, likewise decreasing the resistors down to 500, 330, etc increases the distortion. if you have an extra, pull one and replace it until you find the culprit. if the volume is not increasing like it should, it is likely a power amp tube. It's all four speakers, it seems to be when im playing hard it does it more and its like a muddy distorted tone if that helps anyone and before anyone says that my speakers are blown, that's impossible as i have never played my amp past half volume as it is LOUD and the head is only 250watt while the cab can take 300watt. Details. Which is better? Keep in mind, that this is just a starting point. Joined . Posted: Mar Mon 28, 2011 11:44 pm . Turn up the master to about 1 or 2 and then slowly roll in the Volume. Reactions: Bayboy. Get a new subwoofer and amplifier. My concern is that one will have more distortion and the like. Turn off the sound system and let the amplifier cool off. I have a 40hz test tone playing, and am supposed to turn the stereo up to 75% and slowly increase the Level until I hear clipping, then back it off a bit . Output stage: 56 pcs 15 A 200 W high speed, ultra-low . The settings on my amp are as follows: Bass Boost: 0dB (off) Low Pass Frequency: 12 o' clock. Distortion specifications are expressed by the term THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). The low volume distortion is where you *learn* troubleshooting Start with fresh eyes, unmolested schematic and layout, a sharp sharpie, chop-stick, and fresh meter batteries. Speakers are connected in parallel. Low Voltage If there is no music playing on the system, then the turn on lead to the amplifier may not be getting enough voltage or there could be a ground problem. 2012-04-18 03:45:59. However, the most common culprit behind amplifier distortion in both types of amps is a problem known as clipping. The goal of audio amplifiers is to reproduce input audio signals at sound-producing output elements, with desired volume and power levelsfaithfully, efficiently, and at low distortion. First do no harm. The Quick Answer. If it is stereo and one channel is Ok you should be able to compare. When the volume improves, the drivers can expand advance as well as faster. That's what I did before I got a boost pedal.. and I still use this trick on occasion. See answer (1) Best Answer. 2. Most audio power amplifiers suffer from a defect known as "crossover distortion". If you want crystal-clear cleans at bedroom levels, then a 5- to 15-watt tube amp will put a big, cheesy smile on your face. mondogenerator The built in attenuator delivers real power tube overdrive at very low levels retaining the feel and juice of full volume fun. That actually depends on the way the amplifier is constructed. Turn the volume on the AMP up so you have distortion at the lowest (guitar knob) volume you'll be using for your rhythm part.. It's a little tricky at first but it does work without a boost or volume pedal. The right channel. remove the screw that holds the l-shaped section to the receiver You are better off using an amplifier of about 50 WPC with a low distortion level than a more powerful amplifier with high distortion levels. The clean tones are also 'defined', 'clearer' and more ' responsive'. - leftaroundabout Jun 8, 2014 at 12:05 This distortion is particularly troublesome at low output levels. In other words, your phone audio signal may be much louder with a higher impedance of headphones, if you use an amp. Usually, you can, with some effort, find a particular spot that the noise comes from. Hello, I have a Performance Teknique ICBM-772 two channel amp powering two Pioneer 4 ohm speakers per channel. Setting the volume to a maximum of 75% works great for most speakers. Whether you're working with a car amp or a standalone stereo amp, distortion can occur when your amp is faulty or damaged. For a distorted tone, set your amplifier settings to 7-9 for gain, 4-5 for bass, 5-7 for mids and 5-7 for treble. So don't turn input gain super-low. Vintage Kingston amplifier. I'm testing an amplifier by connecting it to an ATX power supply. At low power levels, the crossover distortion can rise to a high percentage of the output level and become the dominant source of distortion. The problem is distortion (sounds very scratchy and weak) at low volume. Getting distorted sound on headphones but not on speakers? Amplifier analysis shows that a Class B amplifier has a no-feedback distortion of about 33% and a Class A amplifier has a no-feedback distortion of about 8% and sound better than Class B. I'm guessing around 15 to 25 watts output. Mode: Low Pass. In a bad transistor amp, it comes over as a nasty rasp, that's just the way it is. Sensitivity: 2-8V. So always crystal clear at all volume levels. I normally never turn it off due to the dtv remote not doing power for it, but it does control volume. This increase in movement causes warmth inside the speaker. (Chestnut heights) Early 70s Solid-state "p-118" amplifier by kingston, made in Japan. The preamp stage of the amp and gain will go hand in hand. Here are some tips on how to fix subwoofer distortion at low volumes: Inspect your subwoofer for any signs of damage. For metal, consider decreasing the mids and increasing the treble and bass. Since it only has 9Volts to work with, you get a lot of distortion. if the volume is good but this noise is there, it is probably a preamp tube. This item Facmogu AK35 90W+90W Mini HiFi Digital Amplifier, 2 Channel Bluetooth 5.0 Sound Amplifier Speaker AMP, Surround Sound FM USB Remote Control Low Distortion Home Car Amplifiers Sunbuck Wireless Bluetooth Audio Amplifiers, 200W Power Home Stereo Amplifier Receiver, with USB, SD Card, FM Radio, Remote Control, Dual Channel Sound, for . If the volume is too high, it can cause the amplifier to send a signal that is too strong for the speaker. Save Share. . Most of the Class B distortion comes from the use of the output transistors as rectifiers to separate the plus and minus halves of the signal as well as then . The other type of noise is the white noise that comes from too much gain pushed into the amplifier through the distortion and overdrive pedals. Distortion is to be expected if you input a large signal with high gain. You can get preamp distortion out of a tube amp at a low volume by just turning the gain knob up, yes, though it will sound like shit if you leave the volume knob at 1. Use a voltmeter to test if the turn on lead is getting the proper amount of voltage. Level: Minimum. Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full volume. If it is unable to offer sufficient, your speakers sound distorted. Shouldn't be a problem, since the amp will go into heavy distortion and it's unlikely your ears will enjoy it. You might be able to use something like thisto help your situation. That's because the distortion numbers we're used to seeing are for electronics, such as amplifiers and preamps, that operate across the entire audio band. This upsurges output, at the same time, reducing input that prevents feedback. For heavy rock distortion, lower the gain slightly, and increase the mids. . This rule works if you use a low impedance output and headphones with a higher one. At louder levels, the rubbing frequency is often masked. If you put in a 1V peak to peak signal with the gain at the default of 20, then the amplifier will try to put out a signal at 20V peak to peak. Remove Subwoofer Level Control: Not Connected. TangerineDog, s5tuart, stratosdane and 2 others It has distortion at lower volumes in the higher frequencys. I also notice when you dig into your strings with the pick you get more of a tonal response with tube amps. The Carr Mercury V is the British cousin of their classic Skylark amp. Harmon. Plus, the wattage is still low enough to generate power-amp distortion at a manageable volume. First of all, it would be advisable to avoid pushing the amp too far. #2 either set of tubes.