Low gain preamp options
Van Alstine's tube preamp might be close to what you're seeking with a "low gain" toggle�. One review gives the standard gain as 20dB, but they don't say what it is with the low gain in use. Output impedance is either 560 or 600, so a bit above your desired specs. https://avahifi.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/fet-valve-cf-slr-preamplifier |
I just went through this with my system. I was running direct from DAC to amp but the digital volume was unpredictable and appears to "bit strip" in some cases. It does not sound right unless you turn it up. I also can get quite loud volume without the preamp. So this leads me to believe a passive will work. My amp has 50 kohms input resistance. I talked to Roy Mottram at tubes4hifi. We are going to try a buffered passive preamp. It will be one of his stock preamps without the gain tubes. I can run volume only or tube buffer and if that doesn't work right we can add a small amount of gain. He also sells a Chinese preamp that has 6 dB of gain for $500. The one I am getting is a custom SP12. I will be receiving it next week. Regardless there are several vendors mentioned that can do this. PS Decware is 6 months out, last I knew. I am getting mine in about a month. |
I also can get quite loud volume without the preamp.If it's loud enough you don't need more gain. I talked to Roy Mottram at tubes4hifi. We are going to try a buffered passive preamp.No need, you have 50kohm input impedance on your amp, a $49 Schiit Sys will do the job perfectly. And without any distortions/colorations the buffered one will introduce (and it’s probably just an opamamp buffer) Cheers George |
