2. amps-preamps
  3. 161651-21

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)
mitch2

Showing 1 response by mitch2

mitch2 OP
3,694 posts
 
Thanks all so far.  I would still like to hear from folks who own or have heard the Benchmark or Hattor units.  The Hattor has exactly the form and function that I am looking for but I cannot find out too much about the sound.  The Benchmark has an incredible review from Stereophile but I am a little worried that I may think it sounds too thin.  They do offer a 30-day return policy but I would rather get it right the first time.

@georgehifi 
My SMc monos have only 10K ohm input impedance.  My current DAC does ok direct to the amps if within about 1M of the amps but my balanced Goldpoint attenuator passive does not work well as the soundstage narrows and things start to become thin sounding.

@mrdecibel 
Steve is really busy right now and last time I checked he was not adding a remote volume option to upgraded TLC-1s.  Mine is the black one on their website home page.  I like the display and remote used by the Hattor, as well as the smaller size of the uni, but cannot find much from users on now they sound.

@oldhvymec 
Thanks for the suggestion.  I have had a bent type autoformer preamp here (Acoustic Imagery JaySho) and did not like it as well as resistor type units but there appears to be more to the Nord unit so I will take a closer look.  Do you own one?  Any additional comments on how it sounds, what it does well and any weaknesses?

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