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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
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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
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).

That was your problem long interconnects with a passives high output impedance, if you use only 1-2mt quality low capacitance interconnects you would have had a far better outcome.


computer with a usb dac) and am now running direct to my amplifier which sounds much better
Now going direct you have a low output impedance from the dac and it can drive those long interconnects.

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?
It’s not, if both have the same make and value of potentiometer (pot) inside them.

Cheers George
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,140 posts
 
Buy a very good dac with a great true Analog volume control 
like in the Bricasti dacs, I have the M3 with streamer board 
and even vs any $6k preamp out there you would be hard pressed  just to = it.
bobthenailer's avatar
bobthenailer
41 posts
 
Buy a good quality stepped attenuator and a project box, 2 pairs of female RCA jacks and build your own. 
speakermaster
738 posts
 
There were a lot of vintage amps built with volume controls on them and a number of thx amps allow you to vary the gain to the amp. When you avoid the pre amp and extra stage it can be a good thing but at the same time you will find out that a well designed pre amp will actually outperform a passive circuit with any type of dynamic music, something is lost going all passive.
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