Vibelink volume vs integrated amp

[DazST]

I'm currently running my ultra (with sub) into both a vibelink (optical) and a Yamaha as501 (rca), and into a pair of QA3030i speakers. Using a speaker switch, I've been experimenting with both amps and have found that at the same 'master' volume from ultra, the Yamaha (85w@8ohm) is significantly louder than the vibelink. EG Yamaha even at about 1 o'clock on the volume dial is louder than vibelink at 100%.
Is this a reflection of different gain between the two or something else?
(Note: this is not meant as a criticism of the vibelink as it still plays plenty loud enough for my needs, with some to spare).

 

[Mr Ee]

I'm currently running my ultra (with sub) into both a vibelink (optical) and a Yamaha as501 (rca), and into a pair of QA3030i speakers. Using a speaker switch, I've been experimenting with both amps and have found that at the same 'master' volume from ultra, the Yamaha (85w@8ohm) is significantly louder than the vibelink. EG Yamaha even at about 1 o'clock on the volume dial is louder than vibelink at 100%.
Is this a reflection of different gain between the two or something else?
(Note: this is not meant as a criticism of the vibelink as it still plays plenty loud enough for my needs, with some to spare).

What's the Ultra's Line Out Level set to in Audio Settings?
A quick google implies the Yamaha's input sensitivity is 200mV

 

[DazST]

What's the Ultra's Line Out Level set to in Audio Settings?
A quick google implies the Yamaha's input sensitivity is 200mV

It's set at 2Vrms, should I change it?

 

[Mr Ee]

It's set at 2Vrms, should I change it?

If you want to be able to use the yamaha's volume knob fully / have greater control over how quickly the volume changes, yes.
You don't have to, but maybe try 500 or 200 mV. It will certainly make the volume levels more similar.

 

[DazST]

If you want to be able to use the yamaha's volume knob fully / have greater control over how quickly the volume changes, yes.
You don't have to, but maybe try 500 or 200 mV. It will certainly make the volume levels more similar.

Thanks I hadn't even thought of that. I'll reduce it to 200 and see how that goes.

 

[Ruediger]

To my knowledge the max. line-in input voltage of the Yamaha is a bit over 2V, so I don't think it needs to be changed. I looked that up for an A-S301 some time ago and used it with the Ultra and that setting.

To achieve max. volume without crossing the clipping threshold and having the volume knob fully to the right - that could require a specific input voltage. But 200mV is way too low for that IMO.

 

[DazST]

To my knowledge the max. line-in input voltage of the Yamaha is a bit over 2V, so I don't think it needs to be changed. I looked that up for an A-S301 some time ago and used it with the Ultra and that setting.

Hmm, I did a search and came up with the same 200mv line in sensitivity for the 501 that Mr Ee suggested.

 

[Ruediger]

Hmm, I did a search and came up with the same 200mv line in sensitivity for the 501 that Mr Ee suggested.

You might be right. Internet says it will reach max. volume with 200mV.

It was some time ago and I wanted to know if the amp is OK with 2V out from the streamer. The voltage the line-in can take is above 2V, but when turning it up with that value it will obviously max. out earlier.

If you want to compare how loud these amps can play without clipping, you need that setting.

 

[slartibartfast]

To my knowledge the max. line-in input voltage of the Yamaha is a bit over 2V, so I don't think it needs to be changed. I looked that up for an A-S301 some time ago and used it with the Ultra and that setting.

To achieve max. volume without crossing the clipping threshold and having the volume knob fully to the right - that could require a specific input voltage. But 200mV is way too low for that IMO.

The input sensitivity is still 200mV meaning maximum power is achieved at that level. If the input level is 2V only a very small rotation of the volume control will reach maximum volume which is exactly the issue described in the first post. I used a 10dB attenuator at the input of my Audiolab 8000A for exactly the same reason.

 

[slartibartfast]

If you want to compare how loud these amps can play without clipping, you need that setting.

It will clip if you aren't careful with the volume control though.

 

[DazST]

Thanks guys, sounds like this is the reason for the volume difference. I'll try it in the morning to confirm.

 

[rjp]

I had the same situation with my Audiolab 9000p power amp. When I first compared it to the Vibelink it was much louder, then I discovered it was because it is speced at 1vrms input and I was feeding it at 2vrms. Hence it was producing 4 times the power for the same input.
When I set the Ultra to output at 1vrms the volume matched the Vibelink exactly. Both are 100wpc amps.

 

[DazST]

Thanks guys, sounds like this is the reason for the volume difference. I'll try it in the morning to confirm.

I'm away on holidays so forgot to post and confirm that switching to 200mv brought the Yamaha volume much closer to that of the vibelink.