Sex amp with Foreplay

[leafs17blue]

Hi Guys, I have an enhanced sex amp and just bought an original Foreplay with some mods from a friend.  Are there any advantages to using them together?  Also, what should the volume control on the sex amp be set at?

Thanks

Bruce

 

[Grainger49]

Yes, for the most part I would start with the SEX amp volume at maximum and control with the FP.

If you have a problem listening at low volume, say the FP doesn't play right with the volume low, then start backing off of maximum on the SEX amp volume control.

 

[leafs17blue]

Thanks Grainger, I will give it a try tonight.

Bruce

 

[tuffy_puppy]

this really stumps me.  i have a foreplay 3 with each channel controlled by a stepped switch that is really unsuited to control volume.  my sex 2.1 has a free moving volume control that is much more suited to control volume with each of the preamp controls set to equal levels.  what is different about my units than the ones i think you folks are describing?  or am i completely misreading your postings?  don

 

[Grainger49]

Don,

You are in a similar situation.  I run a remote volume control between my FP 2 and Paramours.  The Paramours don't have any volume but the remote was the reason for this.  I got tired of walking all the way across the room for a minor volume adjustment only to get to my seat and find it is not right.

My situation doesn't present a constant impedance to the FP 2 output.  It would be better if the remote were integrated into the FP 2, except the FP 2 isn't big enough.  So I live with a less than optimal condition because I'm a lazy old man.  What I suggested to Bruce is the better sounding way to do it.

 

[Paul Joppa]

In most cases, you will get the lowest noise by setting the Foreplay to maximum, then adjusting the SEX control to the loudest you are likely to ever want. After that, use only the Foreplay controls. This way the Foreplay controls use their whole range, and the signal level in the interconnect is way above any noise floor.

In certain circumstances, the Foreplay could be overloaded this way. I would pad down the Foreplay controls to fix this if it's a problem.

 

[denti alligator]

I, too, figured the FP was not suitable for volume control due to the stepped switch. So for the lowest noise, while still using the SEX you would set the FP as loud as possible and keep the SEX as low as possible?

 

[tuffy_puppy]

i don't like doing it that way.  when i try it the bottom 3/4 click stops on the foreplay 3 (enhanced) cause static/distortion and i have to resort to using the volume control on my sex 2.1 anyway.  so i am back to using the 12:00 (high noon) setting on my foreplay 3 and adjusting the volume on my sex 2.1 anyway.  maybe just me?  don

 

[Paul Joppa]

I, too, figured the FP was not suitable for volume control due to the stepped switch. So for the lowest noise, while still using the SEX you would set the FP as loud as possible and keep the SEX as low as possible?

It's complicated; that's why I wrote a white paper (on the Bottlehead / Community page) about signal to noise ratio. Setting the SEX control so that the Foreplay uses mostly the upper settings lets it work at its best.

Still, the whole issue of level controls is difficult. The original Foreplay - way back, more than 15 years ago - had two carbon potentiometers. We got lots of complaints that it was hard to keep equal gain, and we also found by experimenting that switched attenuators sounded better - so the Sweet Whispers was born, as the cheapest possible switched attenuator. By the time we put together the Foreplay III, incorporating most of the audibly-significant mods that had developed over the years, we re-designed the switch and now call it "Sweetest Whispers". (We also incorporated a slightly more reliable switch.) And we included several series resistors to adjust the overall gain. Still, the 3dB steps are fairly large and the switch is not as reliable as I wish. Unfortunately, truly reliable switches are hard to come by and very expensive. Regular volume controls (stereo dual potentiometers) that sound good are also expensive, and exhibit poor tracking at low settings. Conventional volume+balance controls cost twice as much (twice as many pots), have more complex circuitry, have interaction problems, and restrict the available replacement options. Remote control is yet another whole can of worms.

Given this situation, so far we have stayed with the inexpensive options, allowing individuals to easily replace them with a control of your choice. We are still struggling with what to do in the next preamp.

 

[tuffy_puppy]

hi again guys on this same topic,  if i understand paul it is possible that i am not getting the very best sound from my  system than it is capable of producing due to this attenuator situation.  if so that is ok, my current fidelity is the best i have ever heard.  there have been some upgrades to this sysem already and i am wondering what my be the effect of a goldpoint mini v.  and, has anyone had any experience with these psvane 12au7-t tubes in the enhanced foreplay with the current upgrades?  clumsy question i know. apologies to all.  thanks,  don pettit, long beach, washington

 

[tuffy_puppy]

hi again, just re reading sir denti's posting and realized i had not read it correctly.  i now see that we agree completely.  sorry, sir, don