2. amps-preamps
  3. 168622-22888

amplifier with volume control

I began my journey with an active preamp then switched to a placette passive which was more transparent but sucked the life out of my system (but I was using longer interconnects to monoblocks).  I have one source (a computer with a usb dac) and am now running direct to my amplifier which sounds much better than my previous 2 configurations. I am using a digital volume control and my thought is to change to an amp with a built in volume control - like an audion - or have a tech install one on my amplifier. My question is how is an amp with a volume control different - if at all- from a passive (simple pot in a box) connected with short interconnects to an amplifier?       thank you
majorc
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,793 posts
 
Bryston makes amps with volume pots for their "Pro" market.
ghdprentice
7,147 posts
 
I would also recommend heading back towards the main stream if you are interested in sound quality. Active preamps serve a function as Millercarbon points out. An integrated amp sounds like the right solution. 
jl35
4,032 posts
 
I had a professional tech bypass the dual volume controls in my Parasound amp, and it sounds much better...though there are some here who much prefer passive preamps, I believe they are a very vocal small group...
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Some integrated amps have fairly complex preamps incorporated in them, others have little more than a passive volume control built in.  Sometimes manufacturers call those latter control amps.  You might look for one of them.
majorc OP
78 posts
 
many thanks to all.  I appreciate the advice regarding an active preamp, but for now I have decided to eliminate the active preamp - I have tried several and have found a direct connection better - but that does not mean I will not try one in the future.  The narrow question I have is if I use one source and no active preamp, whether a volume control built into the amp (or as 2 left ears puts it a "control amp") is better than running to a passive and then an additional interconnect to the amp. By better I guess I mean will a volume control at the amp be less likely to constrain dynamics the way my  passive preamp did.  
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