Gain problem with speakers and passive preamp.

[mateematy]

Hello, I want to get a pair of speakers either the T5Vs or the 305Ps, a TT(ATH LP120x), a D10 and a Mackie Big Knob Passive to control everything. The only question is being passive, will there be enough gain (ie will the whole system go loud enough). I will leave the specs for anybody asking for them.

 

[exaudio]

Have you considered using a traditional preamp rather than the Mackie Big Knob? The Schiit Freya S tested very well and it's on Amir's recommended list. The Freya may cost more than the Big Knob, but it will give you a lot more flexibility. You get the choice of passive or active and you get the option of using balanced/XLR or RCA for both your outputs and interconnects. It also looks good and has a remote.

The Mackie Big Knob may be cheaper, but its functionality is limited to a fairly niche application. I think the Freya would be a better long term investment. Its flexibility will give you room to grow.

 

[BDWoody]

I think the Freya would be a better long term investment. Its flexibility will give you room to grow.

I'll second the Schiit recommendation. I have the Freya S and like it a lot. Remote is excellent.

 

[DonH56]

I really doubt you'll have enough gain from the turntable preamp alone through a passive preamp even with active speakers.

 

[NTK]

I think the output level of your turntable is not enough. It's line out is rated only to 240 mV. I cannot find the same info in Adam's site, but here is the spec of the JBL 305P you posted. The 305P can only give you 92 dB SPL @ 1 m at -10 dBV, which is 316 mV.

IMO, you'll need a pre-amp. For example, to drive the 305P to its full rated output, it needs 2 V input, which means a gain of 2/0.24 = 8.3X = 18 dB.

 

[mateematy]

Ok I can only tell that's bad news. Unfortunately I can't get any of the Schiit stuff because I live in Europe and the shipping is costly. In short, do I have to get a ProJect Phono Box ?

 

[NTK]

A headphone amp can also work double duty as a pre-amp.

 

[Dimitri]

Have you considered using a traditional preamp rather than the Mackie Big Knob? The Schiit Freya S tested very well

I'd hardly call traditional a preamp without tone controls