The very low volume from Decca to Vivant to Slagle was the reason they were sold.
If I used the Decca it would have to be at 1 or 2 ( on a clock dial ) to be at the same volume on MC side at 8 or 9 on volume control with 6 being 0. I could have either the Slagle or the TQ Claymore as a pre from the Vivant and at full volume using the Decca and you could still talk over it. Using the TQ Claymore phono input made no difference?
If I used the Zyx on MC side and I had it at full volume the house 6 doors down would have been complaining as well as my speakers.
I'm still convinced it's an issue with the Vivant/Decca combo but it's been checked and gain increased last time Alan had it, however I did plan to send it back to Alan again along with the Decca, but another Zyx came up for sale so I bought that and the difference was staggering, so it couldn't have been a mismatch between stage/pre/power as the MC is fine. I then thought why piss about with the Decca just get rid, right decision, no idea, but the Zyx is just as good, and in the context of my system and taste it's perfect.
If the levels had been the same neither the Slagle or the Decca would have been sold trust me.
I just need to get my amp side suited to the Tannoys then I won't be buying anything else hardware wise as this is my final system.
So really just one piece of the jigsaw left to find and that's it, only thing I'll be buying will be music
Be interesting to hear if you find any issues wth the Vivant or not, I'm waiting on an amp arriving next weekend before sending my Vivant to Alan for upgrade, I'd rather have it here while the amp is on demo so I can hear my Turntable through it.
Once I send Alan my Vivant it would be great if he could borrow the Decca and try it on my Vivant and see if he has the same issue. If he doesn't then it won't matter as I don't own one now