Low volume with BC21.1

Jymn · Post by **Jymn** » Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:23 pm

I'm loving my 'new' BC21.1 coming from my Oppo 105 and Consonance turntable. However, the volume knob is at the 1 or 2 o'clock position to get just normal volume. I'm using an older tube amp (20WRMS) and a GDC you modified as an amp only with 100WRMS. Stilll quiet. Coming directly out of the Oppo, the volume is normal. The Oppo is turned all the way up.

The seller says there's a gain switch that is set to low. He says I can switch to higher gain but tube noise may result.

Curious if I should try this switch. Any advice? Thanks.

masluck · Post by **masluck** » Fri Apr 11, 2014 7:18 am

Hi Jymn,

I don't think I ever ran my BC21-L2 or even my BC3000 at low gain. If you have a decent set of tubes (6922 or 7308) types, there is a near perfect chance you will not additional tube noise. The only way to know is to flip up the switch (with it powered off, of course). I hope that helps!!!

Mark

Jymn · Post by **Jymn** » Fri Apr 11, 2014 6:27 pm

Thank you. Flipped the switch and the sound is round and loud and the way it should be. My volume knob is now at 9 o'clock and I might turn it down a little!

breadman · Post by **breadman** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:40 am

i also have a 21.1. a vintage audio guy here on the island told me that a preamp sounds best between 11 and 1 o'clock on the volume control. i don't know wether that is fact or fiction. when i am listening to music, it is always past 11 on the volume control but never past 1 or 2. when listening to classical in the morning as everyone is waking up it is nice to have finer adjustments around the 8 or 9 o'clock setting. gentle background music heard between 9 and 11 on the volume control. mine is hooked up to a mcintosh mc2105 and pushing tannoy berkeleys.
don't know if that helps,
paul