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:
- 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)
