Pre-amp vs gain control box help please
I have a streamer and also an amp (no gain controls). I don’t use much else. I do have a Sony HapZ1es NAS that maybe I will find the time to put some music on.
(1) Just use the cheap switch and gain control boxes I already have (Amazon cheap Chns
(2) Red Rose Music 3a preamp but it does not have any XLR’s. I would have to use XLR /rca cable but as you know, eliminates balanced outs
What would you recommend? Would my two cheap boxes (gain control and a,b,c switch) decrease or increase noise in this chain? Is there less distortion in a pre-amp of $2,000 quality?
I think most will agree that a decent preamp will improve your system. I think the cheap boxes will have a negative effect. The Freya as recommended is a good place to start, or try the https://www.schiit.com/products/kara if you don’t want the tubes. I have owned a Freya, and it is an excellent product for the price. |
Another option with balanced XLR in/out connections is the just-released Schiit Midgard for $219. (Note the XLR connections do not give higher output compared to the RCA in/out.) Compared to a passive volume control, this will give you added gain if needed and you also get an excellent headphone amp. I just bought one (though have been traveling and haven’t hooked it up yet) but its been getting some good reviews. |
For any system, new or Vintage, without Remote Volume Control, I often and highly recommend this Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller This one is ridiculously over-priced, but it shows it well
Noiseless! It's claim S/N ratio 105db is true, I have used them in or out, thru tape loops, none of my friends can ever detect any difference except the advantages of it's features. You MUST have the Remote, no controls on the unit. They pop up for sale frequently, if you see a used one with remote at a good price, or, a new one under $200. jump on it. One way is to find and buy a remote separately, now you can buy a unit missing the remote. It has Remote Balance, once you have that feature, you won't want to live without it. |
I second the Schiit Kara...solid state with similar thd and noise specs to Benchmark...and.... Passive Mode Gain Mode with no signal amplification Gain mode with 12db amplification Balanced and single ended inputs and outputs Switching between 5 inputs Relay switched stepped attenuator Great reviews... Easy resale if you ever decide to move on $700
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