2. amps-preamps
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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
ghdprentice
7,146 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
4,031 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.  
unsound
7,329 posts
 
  “Ultimate Attenuators” used to be offered by EVS. These were volume pots that at one end could be directly inserted into the input jacks of amplifiers and the other ends could accept cables from a source. Not all amplifiers rear panel arrangements were suitable, amplifier placement could become awkward, and typically required a somewhat inconvenient separate two step volume control procedure. Still, a rather clever if somewhat hair shirted approach, that deserves comeback consideration.
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