The Difference between Volume & Gain (and the possibility of adding volume control)

[Mrd34d]

Here I go again with the stupid little Japanese amp head. This thing is growing on me tho. Anyway, I've got it converted to 3 prong, and last night I noticed something strange...

The last time I checked, volume & gain are very much different from each other. While using it, I definitely say it's a gain control and not volume control. It starts to get pretty gritty passed 4-5...it actually sounds pretty cool.

Anyway, the chassis is punched for more pots (hidden behind the face label), soooo difficulty rating for adding an actual volume control in addition to the gain control?

I've started researching already, but haven't quite found what I need yet...which I assume is a simple volume control circuit of some sort?

 

[Downunderwonder]

What you are talking about is called a Master Volume. It will only make it quieter. Difficulty rating unknown but probably simple. Afaik it's just a pot in between the pre and the main amp.

 

[Mrd34d]

What you are talking about is called a Master Volume. It will only make it quieter. Difficulty rating unknown but probably simple. Afaik it's just a pot in between the pre and the main amp.

I just wanna be able to turn it up without the break up. Sometimes I do like going loud without the distortion.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I just wanna be able to turn it up without the break up. Sometimes I do like going loud without the distortion.

I doubt there is untapped clean power lurking inside. If you have an fx loop you might be able to sub a different preamp to see if you can get more out. Otherwise it's way over my paygrade to investigate by inspection.

 

[beans-on-toast]

It could be that the amps is designed to perform the way that you are experiencing.

It could also be that the power supply caps need to be replaced. It could also need to have the power transistor bias checked. Both these things can affect the onset of distortion. The amp needs to be checked out and brought up to spec. Then you should be able to get the most out of it.

 

[Korladis]

I just wanna be able to turn it up without the break up. Sometimes I do like going loud without the distortion.

Single volume knob amps (that is, without separate gain and master volume) pretty much operate with the power amp wide open all the time.