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 1 response by lanx0003

The Pass Labs 150.8 has plenty of input impedance—50 kΩ for single-ended and 100 kΩ for balanced—so the Saga 2’s tiny 75 Ω output impedance is no problem at all. Even with the Pontus II feeding the Saga 2, you’re still looking at 625 Ω output into a 10 kΩ input, which is fine too. Saga 2 only takes single-ended inputs anyway, you’re all set.