Hi

Thanks for your reply. They are very informative and helpful.

Hi bestbang4thebuck

I am currently using QSC amp. The model is RMX 850 and they require input level of 1.5V to reach their full power. Because there's a 6db level difference between consumer's low unbalanced and pro's high balanced line. I sometimes have to deal with this level problems especially for those equipments that aren't capable of putting out even 1V. I ever tried to use the receiver as a pre-amp,but the signal they are outputting is so weak even when I turn the gain to the max. Right now, I am using a Behringer 1/3 octave 31 band equalizer with +-15db gain control as a preamp just for 2 channel stereo listening and watching TV with SRS processing. I think they work ok; the sound is pretty full and surrounding with only 2 speakers and am considering to purchase 950 for Dolby digital decoding. But, I really don't know if they can pre-amplify the low level signal strong enough; hence the question.

The device you are talking about I believe is called Active DI-Box. It purpose is just like you said, converting -10dbv level to +4dbu level and with pre amplification of low-level signal. I considered such device before, but XLR cable is not cheap and not compatibale with most consumer devices therefore I am still feeding the amp with unbalanced RCA line. Because as long as the RCA cable length is short; there shouldn't be any problems. The only problem would be signal level issues.

Hello Paul

If it is 6.3V per channel, Does that mean I will get 44.1 V total from 950 if all channels are used. Is that correct? I don't understand this very well and hope you can guide me.

"IF THE INPUT SIGNAL IS TOO LARGE"

I agree with you paul. I also found that CD's signal is very strong compared to DVD at the same volume. I use a cheap SONY DVD player that has 2V output from analog jack to play the CD with SRS processing. I sometimes have the signal at the pre-amp stage clipped before the amp when playing
the CD. I observed this by looking at the Pre-amp's signal level indicator. When I set the pre-amp's gain at 0db position and playing certain high dynamic range disks; the signal would always hits the +16db sometimes even goes to +18db position ( not very constant) which is pretty loud and if I add 3 more db it reaches the clipping light. I am unable to turn more gain on the amp above 6.5 db position before they reach the full power; although I have more gain available on the amp,but it's already starting to show bit of harshness in my small room.

Was that signal peak or RMS? Let me know what you think, Paul.

Thanks again