Just a bit of background first. I currently have two amplifiers which I like for different reasons. One is a 1990s Exposure XV integrated amplifier which I am struggling to get to sound great in my system. Two is a Vista Audio Spark 20 watt integrated amplifier, probably a few years old, which sounds absolutely excellent in my system. Speakers are either a set of Royd Envoys or Royd Squires, both fairly efficient 8 ohm speakers from the mid to late 90s.
I have had issues in the past with a few of the British amplifiers I have tried, mostly pre-1990s designs, where the gain is too much with my sonos connect set as a line level component. There is little range on the volume control and harshness very quickly kicks in, while it is too loud for low level listening by even 8 o clock on the volume. I have a couple of options, I can use the sonos connect as a volume control and dial it back but it is a digital volume control and apparently affects sound quality as it dials back volume. Two, in the past i have used attenuated cables but unfortunately I got rid of them when I sold the other British amps. The attenuated cables I have bought do seem to resolve the issue, but as always I wonder if some of it is a placebo effect. The Vista Audio Spark just sounds excellent all around but is only 20 watts.
Looking at the specs I noticed that the Exposure lists an input sensitivity of 150 mv which seems quite high for a 2 volt line level device. Usually they seem to be around 300 mv from what I have seen although a lot of the 80s and 90s British gear seems to have high sensitivity. The Spark has an input sensitivity of 600 mv. I can't really say I have seen another amp with that low input sensitivity (not that I really looked deeply into this). But it seems to really work well in my system.
So I guess my question comes down to understanding how important matching input sensitivity to the output voltage of the source is. Am I barking up the wrong tree here or can it make a big difference in terms of sound quality. I do realize it is quite possible I just really like the much newer spark but the Exposure amps are supposed to be a great match for the Royd speakers and I don't get the impression there is anything wrong with the amp. Just a bit harsh. Any help on understanding if the input sensitivity of the Exposure could be the problem and the best way to resolve it, would be greatly appreciated.
I have had issues in the past with a few of the British amplifiers I have tried, mostly pre-1990s designs, where the gain is too much with my sonos connect set as a line level component. There is little range on the volume control and harshness very quickly kicks in, while it is too loud for low level listening by even 8 o clock on the volume. I have a couple of options, I can use the sonos connect as a volume control and dial it back but it is a digital volume control and apparently affects sound quality as it dials back volume. Two, in the past i have used attenuated cables but unfortunately I got rid of them when I sold the other British amps. The attenuated cables I have bought do seem to resolve the issue, but as always I wonder if some of it is a placebo effect. The Vista Audio Spark just sounds excellent all around but is only 20 watts.
Looking at the specs I noticed that the Exposure lists an input sensitivity of 150 mv which seems quite high for a 2 volt line level device. Usually they seem to be around 300 mv from what I have seen although a lot of the 80s and 90s British gear seems to have high sensitivity. The Spark has an input sensitivity of 600 mv. I can't really say I have seen another amp with that low input sensitivity (not that I really looked deeply into this). But it seems to really work well in my system.
So I guess my question comes down to understanding how important matching input sensitivity to the output voltage of the source is. Am I barking up the wrong tree here or can it make a big difference in terms of sound quality. I do realize it is quite possible I just really like the much newer spark but the Exposure amps are supposed to be a great match for the Royd speakers and I don't get the impression there is anything wrong with the amp. Just a bit harsh. Any help on understanding if the input sensitivity of the Exposure could be the problem and the best way to resolve it, would be greatly appreciated.