Paul McGowan said
In this case you want to engage the attenuator and reduce the gain of the DSJ. This can be done through the setup menu.
DSJ has a lot of gain and going direct into some amplifiers, speaker systems, can raise the noise floor - which is why we added the output attenuator.
Paul – I run the DSJ straight to my power amp (Peachtree 220) via balanced XLR cables, if I “engage” the attenuator, I don’t get enough volume, therefore, I have it set to “off.” I just want to confirm I understand your suggestion above…am I doing something wrong, or is my lack of volume when the attenuator is “on” due to the type of amp I’m using? Thanks…
Todd Harris
Hi Todd, no, leave it off. I only suggest the attenuator for very efficient systems that have too much gain and sometimes a bit of noise because of that.
The vast majority will not be using the attenuator.
Paul McGowan said
I have gone direct into our own amplifiers for years - and that of Audio Research and Sonic Frontiers too. I don't have an opportunity to experiment too much with different amplifiers, but most are about the right sensitivity that I have. I also have the experience of many customers who have different setups than me.
Hi Paul,
What kind of sensitivity spec I should look for in an amp if I want to run it directly with DSJ?
Apparently, my Luxman int amp L-505u when used as an amp only is not a good candidate since the higher noise level does not go away even with DSJ attenuator on and/or ground lift. The L-505u spec is copied below. I am using Focal Sopra No 2 speakers which has a sensitivity of 91dB and minimum impedance of 3.1 ohm.
Power output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
My main system consists of a P5, PWT, DSD, Sota Sapphire, PartsConnexion modded GCPH, Yamamoto A-08S with EML tubes, Zu Audio Druids, Tara Labs “The 2 ISM” interconnects, Synergistic Element Tungsten and Zu Audio Event power cables, Wireworld Starlight HDMI I2S.
For speaker cables, I use a DIY aviation-grade 99% silver double 16 AWG cable with PTFE insulation from a spool I’ve had for many years, which is now unfortunately nearly over. I bought it from a surplus air force sale. I have tried many other speaker cables over the years, including some very expensive ones, and none have yet to beat that spool cable…
Why didnt I do this a long time ago??? Many thanks to everyone for this discussion that prompted me to try “sans” preamp. I am such a happy camper now!!!
