any experience with Variable Gain amplifiers? Technics SA-DA10?

[vandalfsens]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Technics SA-DA10: http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/a-v-receivers/technics/sa-da10n/PRD_125212_2718crx.aspx with the option of a Variable Gain amplifier feature.
Some of the reviews I found say it sounds beautifully, especially with vinyl. Others not so much. For his part, the seller tells me that he regularly played vinyl and it blew him away.

Any experience with variable gain with vinyl or with this particular receiver?

 

[TitaniumMan]

I listened to this receiver when it was new. I was shocked at the great sound and low noise levels. It was much quieter than the Pioneer I had just purchased, and the Technics was cheaper. As usual, I missed out on buying one. If I could find one in decent shape, I would be very tempted.

I don't know anything about the VCGA feature, except that it is switchable. No harm, no foul. It appears to bypass all the unnecessary circuitry like the front display and the tone controls, so it couldn't hurt. Right?

Good luck on your search for good sound, and keep us updated.

 

[cabby]

I have the SA-DA10 and I personally can not tell much difference with VCGA on or off. I'm primary using bluetooth streaming and CD player through it, but as you mentioned, the word is phono is where VCGA really shines. FWIW, the SA-DA10 is a phenomenal sounding machine ( at least to me ) and when mine started crapping out ( lost speaker A channel and a few of the inputs ) I rushed out and got it's little brother SA-DX1040 as backup.