SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

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Re: NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by savvypaul »

The direct input bypasses the input selector but not the volume control.

Fretless post, above, is the way to do it.

The only way to bypass the volume control is direct input and tape out - but you can only use one source, for obvious reasons.
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Re: NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by K90tour2 »

Thanks all.
I know where I stand with this now.

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Re: NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by Lindsayt »

Something else you might want to consider, is trying a minimalist CD with a decent DAC. One with a fixed output and a minimum of components in the analogue section.

If you're ever up for it, and depending on geography I could pop round with such a CD player for an evening's listening session vs your Meridian 808.

Or we could meet up at some hi-fi event, eg Kegworth, during which we could have a CD player bake-off.

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SOLVED Re: NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by Fretless »

I have, in the past and by accident, hooked up my P50sa with a device on Direct input and one on Aux.

Sounded fine on Direct until I switched the Aux input on. Then the sound went all muddy. I think it is due to there then being 2 active connections which will affect the capacitance/ inductance / grounding of the input to the power amps.

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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by K90tour2 »

I'll give it another go tonight with a CD player I know well on the one input.

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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by K90tour2 »

Yes.
It was the connection to the direct that was spoiling it.
Tried it with the Merdian 808 connected to the CD input and no other devices connected.

Worked fine via fixed output into the NVA.
And I tried it with variable output with the NVA turned to max.

Neither as good as the Meridian direct into the power amplifier.
Sadly.

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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by Fretless »

Just be careful plugging a DAC directly into a power amp - if the volume setting goes to 'max' due to an electronic glitch then you could end up frying the amp or blowing the speakers (or both).

A passive volume control inbetween does provide a bit of protection for your precious equipmentt.

Upstairs:
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NVA: P50sa - Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a (x2)
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DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
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HP: HifiBerry Digi+ PRO + Sabaj A10d
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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by savvypaul »

Your 2A3 may prefer a 100k pot, depending on how it is designed. The NVA is 10k.

Also, remember to level match when making comparisons. Even subtle changes in levels can be deceiving.
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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by CN211276 »

Fretless wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 9:46 pm Just be careful plugging a DAC directly into a power amp - if the volume setting goes to 'max' due to an electronic glitch then you could end up frying the amp or blowing the speakers (or both).

A passive volume control inbetween does provide a bit of protection for your precious equipmentt.
Although my recently acquired Topping E30 DAC has a built in pre amp, I would not consider using it as such. When in pre amp mode it still connects to the P20. As it is the only input I suppose I could use the Direct input on the P20. What benefit would I get?
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Re: SOLVED - NVA P50 II. , very low volume

Unread post by Fretless »

Try it and see !

(One switch less anyway).
These users thanked the author Fretless for the post (total 2):
CN211276 (Mon Sep 14, 2020 11:32 pm) • Ithilstone (Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:59 am)

Upstairs:
Vinyl
Pro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: P50sa - Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a (x2)
Downstairs:
Vinyl
Logic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 - BMU+ Aiyima A07 MAX (x2) + Arcam One
HP: HifiBerry Digi+ PRO + Sabaj A10d
Office:
Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith THX AAA 887
Headphones: German Maestro, Monolith & AQ

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