2. misc-audio
  3. 195456-110266

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 mulveling

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
2,236 posts
 

I’ve been using longer (~16 feet) XLR ICs from preamp to power amp in my 2nd system, with no discernible penalty. It’s perfectly fine to go that way. The passive route would probably work OK too, but I haven’t tried that yet.

I was once looking at Kozhmo (Poland) passives - it’s a nice combination of high quality resistor-based attenuation, fine steps, remote control, and reasonable price. You can also spec dual-mono attenuators for L/R balance control (which was my interest). Not as cheap as the Saga, but still not bad as far as this hobby goes, and given the quality of resistors it should be "effectively transparent" to sound quality. The problem with passives of course is choosing an impedance that can perfectly straddle between the upstream and downstream without upsetting either. Usually the correct choice for this is around 5K to 10K ohms, but there’s a lot less margin for error than with active preamps. The Saga at least gives you the option for active if you get into trouble (active output is spec’d at 75 ohms; passive mode is "max 4.7K"). With 4.7K ohms you ideally want a source output impedance below 470 ohms and amp impedance greater than 47K ohms. 

And wow, they really pack a lot in that Saga for $279! Have to respect that.

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