MP3 player to amp RCA inputs - where to set volume?

[Njord Noatun]

I connect MP3 players and computers (using the wireless function built into iTunes on Macs - insanely great!) to "vintage" high-end amps (165 wpc, no less) by connecting from headphone out to AUX/TAPE in.

Since I connect to the headphone port, the audio is, as it is coming out of the MP3 player, both pre- and poweramped, right? As this is not the case if I connect the kind of AUX/TAPE devices the amp was created for (e.g., reel-to-reels, decks), I am introducing some kind of audio "pollution" into the audio stream, right? More to the point, where should I keep the volume on my MP3 player/computer during playback to mimimize the effect of such "pollution"? Full volume, or turn it down to allow my amp do more of the amplification duties?

Thx for any thoughts.

Regards,

[Clmrt]

Turn it down a bit, on the MP3, that is. I use a Sansa and I keep the volume at about 1/2.

There's probably some science to it, but......

[Eunomians]

I turn my 'player' 2/3 up.

By the way, the AirTunes is really great stuff. I use my G4 laptop, Airport Express & Sansui 9090 for maximum music archive access. Very nice and very 21st century. :music: The best part is I can adjust the playback volume wirelessly, so no more needing to get up off that couch!

[Njord Noatun]

I use a Sansa and I keep the volume at about 1/2.


When using a traditional non-amped source (e.g., CD player), the plaster will start come off my wall at about half volume on my 165 wpc amp.........If I turn the volume down to half on my player (Creative Zen Micro) the sound isn't particularly loud even on full amp volume.

So I guess I need to turn the player volume a bit up from 1/2!

Regards,

[PioneerGuy85]

When using a traditional non-amped source (e.g., CD player), the plaster will start come off my wall at about half volume on my 165 wpc amp.........If I turn the volume down to half on my player (Creative Zen Micro) the sound isn't particularly loud even on full amp volume.

So I guess I need to turn the player volume a bit up from 1/2!

Regards,

Before it got stolen, I always left the ipod volume all the way up when connected to the reciever. It was no louder than any conventional non-amped source at the same volume level.

[soundmotor]

I still don't have enough Fluroscan...

You can never have enough!

:thmbsp:

[Dusty Chalk]

Whichever sounds better.

I recommend trying it both ways -- put the player on 1/2, and crank up the volume at the stereo, then listen for as long as you like; then put your player on full, turn down the volume at the stereo to the same volume, then listen for an equivalent amount of time. Whichever way you like better, do it that way.