2. amps-preamps
  3. 193385-187633

Somebody Please Make This Already...

Imagine an interesting new product: Two sets of analog inputs (when I say sets, I mean each set has single-ended and also balanced), one volume attenuator that controls output synchronously BY WAY OF TWO SETS OF SYNCHRONIZED RESISTOR LADDERS (analog-domain attenuation, not digital) between the two sets of inputs, and then matched sets of outputs (again, both, single-ended and balanced). The entire device should be active, so that if you use single-ended input, it can still output a balanced, differential signal after the volume control, and on the output end there should be an option to combine L/R signals into a single signal (like an LFE output).

Even better yet, we should allow adjustable high-pass filter on the first set of in/outputs and an adjustable low-pass filter on the second set of in/outputs. Slope and frequency should both be adjustable. And of course both filters can be separately bypassed.

The unit should also have a single 12V trigger input and three 12V trigger outputs, and it should have a remote control that can control volume, filter slopes and filter frequencies.

-Ed

eddnog
zlone
774 posts
 

Isn’t that a preamp?

eddnog OP
65 posts
 

I have yet to see any device that synchronously controls the volume level of two entirely separate signals, preamp or otherwise.

With this device, for example, you can have full-range or high-pass filtered L/R signals from a DAC go through input 1 and a separate, full-range or low-pass filtered L/R signal go through input 2. The signal going into input 1 would go out to your power amp(s) and can be high-pass filtered by this device if the source signal is full-range. The signal going into input 2 would go out to your subwoofer, where you can apply a separate low-pass filter with this device or your subwoofer if it’s a full-range signal. You can then level-match the sub to the speakers using the subwoofer’s volume control, and then from there adjust the entire system’s volume in-sync.

You otherwise can’t do this if there’s no bass management upstream. So you could call this more of an independent bass-management system more than you would a preamp, especially if you sell this without a remote control.

Some people also don't like the idea of digital volume control, so something like a WiiM Ultra streamer, despite having bass management, controls volume digitally. This device would allow an analog, resistor-ladder volume control to be used even with bass management, while keeping the sub and speakers level-matched.

-Ed

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,698 posts
 

Do you think there is a real market for such a commercial product?

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