2. amps-preamps
  3. 168622-22888

amplifier with volume control

I began my journey with an active preamp then switched to a placette passive which was more transparent but sucked the life out of my system (but I was using longer interconnects to monoblocks).  I have one source (a computer with a usb dac) and am now running direct to my amplifier which sounds much better than my previous 2 configurations. I am using a digital volume control and my thought is to change to an amp with a built in volume control - like an audion - or have a tech install one on my amplifier. My question is how is an amp with a volume control different - if at all- from a passive (simple pot in a box) connected with short interconnects to an amplifier?       thank you
majorc

Showing 2 responses by mglik

mglik
913 posts
 
I lived with and loved my passive preamps for decades. So transparent!
But about 6 years ago I thought of trying an active. Man, I was missing so much drive and PRAT. And the active was just as transparent with so much more music. Now on my third active preamp that is a destination piece. I will never go back to passive.
mglik
913 posts
 
I used to be the one US dealer for the British TVC company Music First. Transformer Volume Control done to a high level with Stevens and Billington transformers. The Reference-$18k, Baby Reference-$8k and Silver-$10k are excellent. Especially the Silver. Surely, the transparency and clarity are superb. The Reference tranny uses about a mile of copper wire!
However, now use a top line Atma-Sphere MP-1. There is no comparison between great TVC and great active. The best TVC sounds threadbare. Only a great active preamp creates great music.
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