Manual volume means the AI has two volume knobs, one for each L&R channel, so they are also the balance control. I used to have one and it quickly became second nature to turn them together.
I’ll also add my vote for the ARC SP9 III, great preamp and a really nice built in phono stage. You can change the cartridge loading by soldering different resistors in a spot that’s designed for easy access.
Not endorsing these two over other recommendations here, but I had good experiences with them.
I’ll also add my vote for the ARC SP9 III, great preamp and a really nice built in phono stage. You can change the cartridge loading by soldering different resistors in a spot that’s designed for easy access.
Not endorsing these two over other recommendations here, but I had good experiences with them.