Theta Miles also has an analog volume control. One reviewer said he couldn't tell much differ3ence in sound with and without preamp and he had a very costly preamp. I don't recall what kind he had however. I have had the Theta Miles for a couple of months now but have not tried it without the preamp yet. I will try it soon but I don't expect any improvement in the sound. I am however interested to find out if it will hold its own against the preamp.