B1 and impedance matching?

[kudret]

I am building a B1 and trying to decide where to use it in the audio chain.

Here is what I have:
Krell CD-DSP MkII > Cary SLP70 > EV Dx38 > QSC PLX 1202 for LF + DIY 2A3PP amps for HF > Klipsch Jubilee 2-way speakers.

Krell CD: Output impedance unknown.
Cary SLP: Input 47K ohms; Output: 800 ohms
Ev Dx38: Input: 20K ohms
QSC PLX: Input 6K ohms (unbalanced) and 12K ohms (balanced)
DIY 2A3PP ams: Input impedance unknown.

I removed Cary SLP70 from the chain and inserted a 10K pot. I like the clarity and the detailed sound stage I am getting but there is some loss of air and bass. I was planning to use B1 instead of the 10K volume pot. Is this the best place to insert the B1?

Kudret

 

[Nelson Pass]

Maybe, but you won't know until you try it.

😎

 

[Gordy]

Is this the best place to insert the B1?

Replace Cary / 10k pot? Yes, that would be the sensible place.
Will very likely be better than Cary.
Might be better than 10k pot.

Does your EV Dx38 processor have a volume control? If so try:
Krell CD-DSP MkII > EV Dx38 > etc.

 

[kudret]

Does your EV Dx38 processor have a volume control? If so try:
Krell CD-DSP MkII > EV Dx38 > etc.

This exactly what I did. I used balanced out from CD to balanced in on Dx38.

Yes, Dx38 has 2x10K separate internal pots. I bypassed the internal pots with an external better 10K dual pot. This has improved clarity and the sound stage a lot but there is some loss of bass and air.

Kudret

 

[Gordy]

...but there is some loss of bass and air.

I have no idea what causes that.

I suppose you can now try with the B1 between CD and Dx.

...Dx38 has 2x10K separate internal pots. I bypassed the internal pots with an external better 10K dual pot. This has improved clarity and the sound stage a lot...

That is surely a good thing. I hope your experiments with the B1 make it even better!

 

[kudret]

I finally finished my B1. I posted a picture here: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/124889-b1-buffer-preamp-235.html#post2166192

As I said in the other post, it sounds better than the 10K pot for the most part - it beefed up the bottom end. The top end seems a bit harsh. It's also less forgiving with some CDs. I need to listen to it more for a better judgment, but I like it so far.