Paul explains amplifier gain

Why is it that for any given volume level from the preamp, a small power amp and a big power amplifier play at the same loudness?

[ThinkingBetter]

Paul can not feel bad about not answering all questions because he is the #1 most engaged CEO in consumer electronics answering a ton of audio questions personally. Really, there is nobody like him on this matter and it's one reason his brand deserves a lot of credit.

[odizcvw]

Like others, these discussion of gain vs wattage have helped me understand.
Worth also noting that the discussion of volume is further complicated by the actual volume control. They will all be logarithmic, but there is no standard here as well. Best just to think of the volume control as an arbitrary knob to control volume and the numbers likely mean nothing.

[GeorgedeSa]

@Paul - I have to say, I’ve been into audio it seems like my whole half a century of life but never understood this concept until I watched your video here. Eureka…I now understand why my amplifier at twice the output spec sounds only as loud as my other amp of the same gain, at the same volume setting on my preamp. Hats off to you Paul, since I can now share this with the many I speak to in this hobby. Cheers.

[Tsxtasy]

Thank you for sending the fr10’s to Erin’s Audio Corner

[hifiandrew]

I never thought about it but that explanation makes perfect sense!

[gdownz]

I had a problem with matching gain with my Stellar 300 and Emotiva BasX amps that were doing what you're describing and I just couldn't enjoy the 2 sets of speakers evenly the way I wanted until I got myself 2 Shiit SYS passive preamp potentiometer volume controls. Like Paul likes to say it was an easy peasy fix. Thanks for the better understanding and breakdown Paul. It helps as always 👍

[ericsoncolina]

Thank you Sir, For the Good explanation about Amplifier Gain... God bless!

[egi]

Finally I did understand it, thank you Paul!

[OGmolton]

as someone who asked a question through the wrong form that never got directly answered but got answered eventually, don't worry about it

[Jaskaran.Barham]

The reality is the output of the amp is determined by voltage. The higher the voltage, the higher the watts you put into the system. The gain of an amp is predetermined and most amps are within the ballpark of each other. So with the gain being fixed, the output voltage determines the outcome. More volts equals more watts. For you to have to turn your amp up means that you’re increasing the output voltage. It’s pretty normal to set your amp to a high output voltage so that you can experience full dynamic range.

[finscreenname]

Kind of wish he would have gone into setting up an amp with gain control. I do mine by ear but I'm sure there is some special audiophile way. Is it better to have the gain up and the volume down or the gains down and the volume up? I personally like to keep the gains back with the volume up but I always feel like I am leaving a lot on the table. You pop in a low level recorded CD and you so want to turn the gains up but next come the loud CD and you want them back down.

[TechTimeWithEric]

Jumping off this topic; I’ve been in the car stereo industry for almost 25 years. I keep telling people that “gain is not a volume control”.

[stevefisher]

Agree with @DeVoN420zz below, what's really needed is to maximize response and dynamic range with as few drivers as possible and reasonable cabinet size. So make a great speaker with one tweeter, one mid (which he has, choosing planars) and get bass with a combo of 8" woofer with good transient response and then a sub to get really low. More drivers with more power (all other things being equal) can produce more dB, but really needed for really large room (or say a wedding venue), and most folks simply don't listen to music in a mini concert hall.

[freekwo]

I think that confusion is next: from where comes the difference when voltage gains are the same for different rated amplifiers? I assume it is current since P=IxU [W]. So I asked the same question but on impact of current to the sound. I assume the current is important when you drive floorstander with many drivers and generally, speaker with low impedance dips. I learned that watching but still not sure did I understood it correct.

[BobGeogeo]

"Up, up, up, up, erhhhhuuuuh" - that's the amp rooster when thinking 2am is the real morning, then ooops 🙃

[joesshows]

I can’t wait to join the PSAudio family!!!!

[screamallyouwant]

I love the looks of those white speakers. It makes me think of a Stormtrooper.

[troybolt]

Why does your voice have so much reverb?

[traildoggy]

"these go to eleven"
-- Nigel Tufnel

[JohnHarnick]

No one ever talks about current. Most amplifiers were putting out 10-20 amps when (I believe) a lot more was needed. More current=stronger 🧲 field= more signal carried.