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wellnessprovider81
Contributor I
January 6, 2019

What to do if amp doesn’t have volume controls

  • January 6, 2019
  • 15 replies
  • 1647 views
I have got a sonos connect and a Anthem MCA-5 amp buy the amp does seem to have anywhere on it to adjust volume (it is old and heavy) and there is no screen for showing volume.

Do I still use variable on the connect or in this case would I use fixed?

I tried it one variable but don’t seem to hear anything but I’m worried if I put the connect to fixed that it will blow my speakers or do something else wrong...
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    15 replies

    pwt
    pwt
    Virtuoso
    January 6, 2019
    The Trigger Input is not a sound signal input. Instead, it's used to switch the amp on and off. Perhaps you need to consult the amp's manual and familiarise yourself with its purpose and operation?
    4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
    wellnessprovider81Author
    Contributor I
    January 6, 2019
    The Trigger Input is not a sound signal input. Instead, it's used to switch the amp on and off. Perhaps you need to consult the amp's manual and familiarise yourself with its purpose and operation?

    Thanks for he response. On the Anthem MCA-5 there is only 5 single ended RCA Inputs that correspond with L, L surround, centre, R surround and R. Also there is balanced XLR inputs which look to be big circles. There are no other inputs just where the speakers connect and the line input

    What cords from the connect unit would go into these to make sound?
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    January 6, 2019
    CONNECT is a stereo device, so the analog output RCA cables would go to the L and R inputs on your device.
    Bruce
    wellnessprovider81Author
    Contributor I
    January 6, 2019
    Does it matter which colour goes into the left and the right? I have the red and white in the connect and I put the white in the left and the red in right?
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    January 6, 2019
    According to wikipedia, red is right, white is left. But try it and see. If you find your speakers seem to be backwards, it's pretty easy to switch those connections.
    Bruce
    wellnessprovider81Author
    Contributor I
    January 6, 2019
    Thanks again for the help guys.
    One last question: because the amp doesn’t have volume control of any kind-does that mean I should select variable or fixed on the connect?
    Anything I can do to make sure I don’t blow the speaker??
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    January 6, 2019
    If your amp doesn't have a volume control, then I'd select variable, so that you can actually control the volume.

    That being said, I'd never, ever suggest using variable when sending to a device that does have a volume control. Too much opportunity for "fighting" signal strengths.


    Start off with as low a signal as possible when testing. No more than 10%. See how your amp responds, then you can crank it up. If you start with 100%, you could potentially blow your speakers.
    Bruce
    wellnessprovider81Author
    Contributor I
    January 6, 2019
    Thanks again-maybe I’ll put the volume limit on the connect just in case when I select variable...
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    January 6, 2019
    The key is to start small, and work your way up. None of us have any idea what speakers you have connected to that amp, and what ratings they have, and how they match up with that amp.
    Bruce
    wellnessprovider81Author
    Contributor I
    January 6, 2019
    Good advice-they are brand new monitor audio gold 200s rated 88 I think.
    The amp is anthem MCA-5...

    What would you suggest?
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