Buffer amp no gain
I would like to put a buffer stage between volume control and power amp to ensure impedance matching. I like the look of the First Watt B1 but don’t need the volume controls.
My volume control is a passive ladder type with expensive resistors, silver wired etc
So my question is, can I buy a buffer with phono inputs and outputs but no volume pots. Either valve or solid state is OK.
Sorry if I did not explain fully. I have no need for any gain in my system so the preamp needs to add no amplification. Additionally after a lot of trial and error the passive volume control is great. What I want to do is to better match the output impedance of the DAC with the input impedance of the power amp. PVCs work against you in this. It could be argued if it sounds great now, then why change it. Its just an itch to be scratched. |
You are looking for a unity gain (i.e., voltage in = voltage out) buffer. There are some tube buffers available such as one made by Tortuga and the two linked already in this thread but, as you pointed out, you do not need or want the volume control. I suspect it would be easy to construct the Pass B1 buffer without a volume control. It appears they still sell the board through the store. I suspect you would replace the VC with the correct value resistor, assuming you will operate it from the output of your current VC. I am not the one to help with that but I suspect it would be easy to do. This article may also be of some help. |
Yes, Erik has it right, the pre-amp can amplify the signal, it also attenuates the signal and sends a signal to the amp at the right impedance. I've never seen a top audio system without a preamp (some pretty good ones without but not state of the art systems). |
