Budget preamp with quality volume control
Dear Audiogoners,
I used to be a firm believer that the signal path should be as short as possible and, as such, I have been using the two-channel system without a dedicated preamp. For a long period of time, I have relied on the digital attenuator in DAC for volume control, knowing the digital attenuator would compress the dynamic range of the sound. Therefore, I switch the volume control on DAC to the fixed mode, bypass the digital attenuation and use the unity gain knob in the back of the power amp for volume control. Depending on the music recording level, however, sometimes I need to turn the unity gain control way down to get proper sound level. This is particularly painful when I use the full-balance connection because of the double voltage gain.
In short, I am looking for a budgetary preamp with quality volume control that either has relay switch stepped control or precise potentiometer for left-right channel match to curb the issue. I try to summarize important (to me) performance catgories as best I can for various good sounding preamp I know (with or without headphone amp/dac) as shown below. It is found the Schiit Magnius happens to have the highest performance ratio. However, I am pretty sure that I likely miss other good performers due to my limited knowledge and would like to solicit for your inputs. Your kind assistance is appreciated.
For the record modt cheaper preamps have a round silver volume pot made by alps ,or Bourne ,they ruin the output resolution for they are only 2 pieces of plastic with a conductive coating , Audio GD has a master 19 you can get just over $1k from underwood Wally that is built very well all good grand components and a 100 step Relay controlled preamp with is far more accurate and 2 Big Rcore transformers for big dynamics and bass ,with a slightly warm balance |
@audioman58 Thank you for the coveat on the Alps / Bourne pot. Regarding AGD Master 19, I just listen to MidFi Guy channel where he stated, on the positive side, wide SS, smooth, polite and affordable price but, on the flip side, not as precise, of clarity as its competitor almost like "tube amp in the solid state form." So, it seems there are coloration / distortion applied on notes through the amp, and that is sort of contradicting to transparency, neutral attributes I prefer from a preamp. But your recommendation is appreciated. I do have an eye on its big brother Master 9 though which AGD claims to be neutral and least color sound (but same claim is on Master 19 as well), but it is sort of difficult to come across reliable review on these Chinese made product. I am going to put Rogue RP-1 (used slightly over a grand), and Freya + too, in my list for now and expand the list to cover pricier units. |
Great. One of the reason I did not include Freya + in my list is because I do not want to bother with tube replacement in the long run. But Schiit says they have longer lasting alternative called solid state tube, LISST, that triggers my interest. What do you feel about them, @audioman58, @ditusa and @riie if you don’t mind? Do they really sound good as claimed? If not, what are the good choices? |
