2. misc-audio
  3. 195456-110266

Adding Volume control to an older preamp

I need suggestions from the group please-

My current system consists of Harbeth SHL5 speakers, Pass Lab 150.8 amp, Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp, Denafrips Pontius II DAC, Wiim Pro streamer and Nordost/Monster cables. I listen to a mix of music but mostly jazz and classical I reallyI enjoy my current system.  

I would like some advice from members of the forum as to how to control the volume from my listening chair as the Audible Illusions preamp does not have a remote volume control.

As a quick fix, I recently purchased a remote for the Wiim Pro to control the volume at the streamer but have read that controlling the volume at that point in the chain is not the best.


I have come up with two possible solutions and would like your feedback is to which is the best or is there a better third choice? Also, WAF is not a problem as my listening room is in the basement .

1) I can purchase a Schiit Saga with a remote and use the passive mode. But, will there be any impedance issues placing the Saga between the preamp and the amp?

2) I can move the preamp next to my listening chair and control the volume manually but will need to purchase longer cables. I would need either 14 foot interconnects between the preamp and amp or 14 for speaker cables. From what I have read, shorter interconnects and longer speaker cables is the way to go.

Both solutions will cost about the same. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you in advance.

2tuby

Showing 3 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
6,000 posts
 

I highly recommend the Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller, there are several used or new ones listed now

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=chase+rlc-1

You can use it a variety of ways, direct; via a tape loop; via a processor loop; just for your pream, or it has 4 selectable line in if you want to bypass your preamp for any line level source.

for remote power; remote volume, and wonderfully for remote balance, it has remote treble and bass which I never use, and, it includes automatic and progressive bass boost only for very low volume listening.

Over many years, in a variety of setups, neither I nor my friends can detect if it is in line or not, it silently does it’s job. 105 db s/n ratio.

I retain all the features of my Vintage McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp in my main system, and get remote volume of a Vintage Receiver in my garage/shop system. in my office, I use it only for remote system power.

Note: it must have the remote control, there are no controls on the unit itself.

 

elliottbnewcombjr
6,000 posts
 

the Chase is line in/line out, you just plug your preamp into it, plug it to your amp(s).

Use it’s 4 line inputs, or only 1. Still use the preamp to select your sources, use it’s MM phono .... in my case I keep the beloved McIntosh Mode Switch

I never had an issue over many years in a variety of systems.

It has 2 identical line out, labeled front and rear, with remote fader. That was from early quad with no processing, just 4 speakers

elliottbnewcombjr
6,000 posts
 

there is not much that can go wrong if you buy used with a remote and seller says it works. I added a toggle on/off switch to the face panel of this one so I can reset it to defaults, otherwise you need to add a line switch or unplug it. It retains all your settings and adjustments.

 

One arrived with the transformer loose from it’s separate board, someone must have dropped it. I got a full refund

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