I vote for the LA4. No sound. That "should" be what you're looking for.
Or look at the LS26. Both Lite and AR.
Or look at the LS26. Both Lite and AR.
Help finding a simple but high quality buffer or preamp for remotely controlling volume
Hello all. I am looking for a simple yet high quality buffer or preamp that I can use for remote volume control in the event I decide to purchase a DAC without an internal volume control. I am looking for the following:
I would appreciate your thoughts on the units below or any others you believe I should consider. Cost is not the major factor in my decision. I would like to hear more about the sound of the Benchmark and Hattor. Thanks for any information.
- must have at least unity gain buffering (preferred) or active gain (optional passive mode would be a plus)
- must have balanced XLR in/out connections
- must have at least one input and one output (although two outputs preferred)
- small form factor desired (the Hattor and Benchmark are the perfect size)
- finish must be black (mostly rules out Schiit which they do not offer in black)
- solid state desired but would consider tubes
- quality performer with high S/N ratio and low distortion
- ability to accept high’ish input impedance and provide output low impedance (Denafrips is 1250 ohms, for example)
- sonically neutral to slightly warm while maintaining tone, body, and dynamics without sounding thin
- resistor or LDR volume control preferred over Alps-type pot
I would appreciate your thoughts on the units below or any others you believe I should consider. Cost is not the major factor in my decision. I would like to hear more about the sound of the Benchmark and Hattor. Thanks for any information.
- Hattor Audio Mini Passive-Active Pre with Takman REY, XLR, and opamp active buffer ($1,550)
- Benchmark LA4 ($2,599)
- W4S STP-SE ( $1,999)
- Schiit Freya ($850)
- Tortuga Audio with CuTf caps ($4,019)
- SPL Volume 2 ($499 - considered but ruled out because no remote volume)