Cheapest volume control

B_limo, yes, not really the way to go here. I've never tried it, but, on the face of it, it doesn't look as promising as the Goldpoint to me. Hopefully it may just be a matter of being a little patient for the right deal to surface, whether a Goldpoint or some of the other suggestions here, if you're moved to try one of them...

Thanks Clio. That may be the way I go unless a goldpoint comes up again.

Bob, the dac I am looking at doesn't have balanced out.

Thanks again to everyone!

There is nothing special about the SVS. It is off the shelf inexpensive parts.At best it can sound okay compared to better parts. You get what you pay for.

If you are going OEM parts, look for the best pot you can get, ladder is generally the best, SMD can be right there and variable next. For variable I found that, NOS ALPS Black Beauties are nice with Blue Velvet's next.

There is an ebay seller out of China that sells some decent passives in lots of configurations. They are in the price range you have budgeted from 100-225. The least of which uses an ALPS Blue Velvet, has 3 inputs, two outs and one monitor. The parts alone, if you attempted to buy them would be close to 175 and then you would have to solder. So, his complete package is really a great value!

Thanks Ray!

Whats the sellers name or how can I locate ghem on e-bay? I tried searching for them but couldn't find them.

Over on audio asylum is my old passive that the buyer is selling for 100. I think I sold it to him for 125 and it comes with some nice parts. Hurry cause it will go fast at that price and if you don't like it you can sell it at no loss. But I think it will work well for you.

He has it listed as a diy but it is not a diy. It is a full production piece. The thing outclasses any near its price point.