do I need vintage preamp?

[Soundminded]

Originally Posted by gychang

I have a t-amp (power amp) that I like to use but has only one RCA input. I want to use it for my PC (music files) and my desktop CD player and want to add volume/input selector.

I can see 3 major possibilities.

1. is there a "radioshack" like product, with volume/RCA selector for cheap?
2. is there a DIY product (I can solder but can't read schematics etc)
3. Possibiy a vintage preamp on craiglist.

thanks in advance, will appreciate input.

gychang

Among the cheapest and least liked preamps that will fulfill your requirements is the Dynaco PAT-4. For your purposes it will do just fine. Find one in good condition that works. The only drawback is that the bass controls are very touchy so either adjust them carefully or there are easy ways to defeat their function. Someone familiar with it can tell you which wires to cut or bridge. It wouldn't surprise me if you find one for about $20 or $30.