Can a simple DIY volume knob replace a pre-amp?

Hi Waip7 ,

You can call Jack Elliano of Electra print. He will explain to you how to do it. And where the parts can be bought.He makes his own transformers .He's a great guy to call just to pick his brain.He really knows his stuff.
He's retired ..so this stuff he does for fun. He will try to save you as much money as possible without steering you down the road of over hyped over priced equipment.
Cheers

I know most of the better pre amps don't use a volume pot or know because it effects the sound as stated above. The better way to do this is with a multiposition slide switch and a bunch of resisters. This is what AR does int he sp-16 pre amp. Most now have electronic controls. There is a reason these things cost bucks it is usally not that simple. But all depends on the quality you want.

You can get high grade hand made stepped attenuators here Endler attenuators. The cost is relatively cheap compared to other companies but the quality is second to none.You just have to know what to look for in this hobby to keep from getting ripped off.Using these in the PVA should give great results if the cd players output impedance is low enough.

EVS makes a very simple high quality attenuator that fits directly onto amplifier inputs.

You can get a brand new Luminous Axiom for $125 brand new. I had one and it was a really good preamp. I had an Audio Research SP9 preamp...the Axiom stomped all over it.

It comes with your choice of XLR and RCA

I believe they have a money back guarrantee.

http://www.luminousaudio.com/axiom.html