Adding Volume control to an older preamp


I need suggestions from the group please-

My current system consists of Harbeth SHL5 speakers, Pass Lab 150.8 amp, Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp, Denafrips Pontius II DAC, Wiim Pro streamer and Nordost/Monster cables. I listen to a mix of music but mostly jazz and classical I reallyI enjoy my current system.  

I would like some advice from members of the forum as to how to control the volume from my listening chair as the Audible Illusions preamp does not have a remote volume control.

As a quick fix, I recently purchased a remote for the Wiim Pro to control the volume at the streamer but have read that controlling the volume at that point in the chain is not the best.


I have come up with two possible solutions and would like your feedback is to which is the best or is there a better third choice? Also, WAF is not a problem as my listening room is in the basement .

1) I can purchase a Schiit Saga with a remote and use the passive mode. But, will there be any impedance issues placing the Saga between the preamp and the amp?

2) I can move the preamp next to my listening chair and control the volume manually but will need to purchase longer cables. I would need either 14 foot interconnects between the preamp and amp or 14 for speaker cables. From what I have read, shorter interconnects and longer speaker cables is the way to go.

Both solutions will cost about the same. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you in advance.

2tuby

Showing 2 responses by 2tuby

Thank you for the reply’s!

Ianx0003-Where did you find the 10k ohm input spec for the Saga2? I cannot find any input impedance data for the Saga2.

kennyc- Thanks for the suggestion. There was a recent thread on this topic where the Placette was also recommended. From my searching it appears that the company is out of business and could not locate and used units.

mulveling- Thanks for your input. I am curious if the longer interconnects or the longer speaker wires is a difference I can hear. Love this crazy hobby.

paradisecom- Do you believe the Saga2 function with is transparent in you system?  

elliotbnewcombjr- Thanks for the recommendation. I will research the unit to see what the specs are. I am concerned about input/output impedance matching issues

Thank you all for the input!

Im going to go with moving the preamp near my listening chair and purchasing the longer interconnects. If I don’t like it I will purchase the Saga.

I started moving things has night and realized the my Ethernet cable will no longer reach the streamer. The devil is in the details.