In line Attenuators with Passive Preamps

For what it is worth I had a set of adjustable attenuators made for me stepped in 2db steps so I could play around with things and also use as preamp per sey when driving a digital combo to my amp.

This might be what you are looking for!
http://www.schiit.com/products/sys

Donvito, Yes, the SYS is worthy product at it's cost. I own one and am currently using it. Need not get beyond 10 o'clock position for loudness. Was thinking I might remove so much potenteometer from signal path.

I believe I have over thought this issue. My best approach might be to purchase a better passive with different volume control. Luminous Audio with step ladder or Lightspeed. Will be used with a Nuforce STA200 or a Dynaco ST70 (original).  

My questions are: 1) Should a in line attenuator be considered when using a passive pre?

No not a great idea unless you know your I/O impedances are still good, as they will change depending (where you put them) the input or output impedance matching, always for the worse, than what you had without them when using your passive preamp..

The best resistance value for a passive preamp is series/shunt 10kohm.
This value is high enough input impedance to suit 99% of sources (except high impedance >2kohm tube output sources)
And low enough to suit most poweramps inputs that are 33k or higher.

Cheers George

Thanks George. I believe the SYS has a input impedance of 10K. In conjunction with the 51K input impedance of my Nuforce STA200, I have a combination having ~8.8K impedance. My source is a PS Audio Digital Link 111 DAC which has SS analog output. I haven't found an output impedance for this unit however feel safe it is very low. If, after exploring the use of a passive, and I wish to continue with this approach,  I will likely upgrade from the SYS and consider your Lightspeed. 

RE the in line attenuation, I have decided that I may have over thought this situation and no longer am considering the use of them.