2. amps-preamps
  3. 1416669785

Super-sensitive volume controls - remedy?

I'm getting real tired of preamps with a volume control that does everything from a faint whisper to way too loud all in the 8:00 to 10:00 position on the dial. My old Rotel RC-995 was like that, and now my new Parasound 2100; both with remote volume that becomes useless with that level of sensitivity. Of course, I noticed a big change when I switched from Maggie MG12's to Tekton Lore Reference, even with my old Luxman CX-100.

My question is not about searching for preamps that don't do that, but whether there is a transparent method of attenuation, either externally or internally, that would allow a more gradual and precise volume adjustment.
minkwelder
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Minkwelder hi.
Most sources these days have enough output on their own to drive amps into clipping and then some, so there is no need to add more gain and colouration from an active preamp.

As Raymonda has said a passive preamp will do and probably give you even more transparency and dynamics.

This one is a bargain at $49 and uses a quality 10kohm pot.

http://schiit.com/products/sys-passive-preamp

Cheers George


minkwelder OP
255 posts
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. I guess maybe I need to rethink where I'm going with all this. The Parasound 2100 seemed like a good idea because of the number of inputs (including phono) and HT bypass and all. I actually don't have as many sources as I used to, but I've conditioned myself to want them just in case. Maybe if I found a passive like the Schiit SYS only with 3 or 4 inputs I may be able to set it up to do the front channels from my AV, my CD player, then get a phono stage........etc....etc...etc.
bbroussard
188 posts
 
If you are happy with everything else BUT the volume control, try some attenuators. I started with the Rothwells, then found some Endlers, and now I have EVS nudes. They all worked well. I just worked my way up the price ladder. My issue is that my CDP output is high, but it is a keeper, so I have learned to live with the attenuators.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,296 posts
 
Do attenuators like the Rothwells impose any sort of penalty related to sonic quality? Thanks. Hope this is of interest to the OP too.
bbroussard
188 posts
 
I couldn't notice any difference. It is a just a resistor in the signal path.
More to discover