975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question

Posted by: Lowrider527

975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/07/16 03:29 AM

Hello, I am new to the Seperates world and wondering if I am missing something because it seems that from most sources my normal listening levels are at about -30db (on the Display) and when I turn the knob all the way down the minimum volume is -77db where the Manual indicates the Minimum is -90 db, And when I turn up the volume to max 0 db when listening to music for instance it seems like it's less than I would expect and the current draw on my Power Conditioner never gets to more than about 2.7 Amps which I would expect if I was pushing the 5000 amplifier it would draw a little more than that? So Really I am just asking if these seem like normal numbers? Any help or input would be very much appreciated.

My Set-up is
975
5000
Panamax M5300-PM
Martin Logan Motion 40 Speakers
AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker cables
Posted by: Stephen B

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/07/16 05:30 PM

Where are you setting the volume level prior to running the set up? If you set the volume at -20 then run the levels how many db are you up or down to reach 75db?

The Model 5000 is not a monster but I would still think hitting 0 on the volume control would have something screaming in pain.
Posted by: XenonMan

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/07/16 10:08 PM

2.7 amps at 120 volts is about 320 watts give or take a few. Divided equally to the Motion 40s puts about 160 watts each. The speakers are 92 db efficient at 1 watt. If you are actually feeding them 160 watts you should be hearing a SPL around 115 db which is really freakin loud. The room size could be a factor or maybe something in the room absorbing sound but at any rate it should still be very loud. Remember too that the ML 40s are 4 ohms nominal so they are a bit harder to drive but well within the capability of the 5000. Check the speaker trim settings on the 975 to see if they are being trimmed excessively and make sure the DRC night mode is off. Did you level equalize them using a SPL meter?
Posted by: Lowrider527

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/07/16 11:00 PM

Thanks for the help I had to go back and run the initial set-up with the volume knob at a lower position and now it gets loud enough for sure...
Posted by: Lowrider527

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/07/16 11:02 PM

Thanks for the information it's good now
Posted by: Stephen B

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/08/16 09:39 AM

Where did you have it set? With my Class A/B, high current design amplifier I start at -30 on the volume to achive 75db test tones at +3db trim.

If you start with the volume control at -20 and need more than -5db trim to achieve 75db start over using -30 volume as the new starting point.

Enjoy your M-975, it is a nice piece that gets better with a bit of age.
Posted by: Lowrider527

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/08/16 12:11 PM

I am not sure how much I trust this app on my iPad as I have tried a couple different ones and get different results, However I currently have it set to -35 with a gain of 0db to achieve 75db but I guess the app is fine as far as comparing levels between all the channels but I would be curious what a real meter would show... Thanks for the help
Posted by: Stephen B

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/08/16 12:58 PM

Where did your subwoofer levels end up?

If I had to guess I would say your phone app for db is not accurate but not sure it matters as long as all are the same with the correct distances entered.
Posted by: Lowrider527

Re: 975 Volume level with 5000 amplifier Question - 05/08/16 02:22 PM

Right now I have my Subwoofer +1db but depending on what content I am listening too I may change it some to avoid shaking the upstairs too much and annoying the wife crazy