I recently built a passive preamp for myself until the integrated amp that I bought came in. As usual, it took a lot more work than I intended to complete, but you know, was worth it. I am offering this unit at US Audio Mart for $450. It would be easier for you to read the ad that I placed than to type it all here. I have some photos that will give an idea of the quality of this unit. I need to add that the last photo shows the actual knob that comes with the unit. It looks best and performs perfectly. I always like discussing things like this so feel free to ask questions!
Note: Despite photos showing marks, these do not exist. Seriously, there is not the tiniest mark anywhere.
Note: Despite photos showing marks, these do not exist. Seriously, there is not the tiniest mark anywhere.
Attachments
Last edited:
I was tempted to try out transformers, but then it was a whole new price range, and this was a temporary thing for me. However, I didn't want to go cheap either, so the search was on for the best quality part. Somewhere, in between, I found that Noble made exceptional potentiometers back in the day (According to Audio Note), so that is what I found. A 50k mono Noble set of potentiometers. Audio Note was correct in my opinion, and I am very pleased with the results.
Sounds like you built a really great piece. I'd actually be surprised if whatever you replaced it with was a clear upgrade... unless you had a need for an active pre. I'm more into TVC preamps these days, so this is outside my interest circle, but looks like a fantastic purchase for someone. Good luck with the sale!
Well, in my case, I bought a Manley Stingray that has passive inputs. There are obvious advantages to such a design, but I also learned that if an integrated doesn't sport say a sub out, or recording loop, etc. you may be challenged. That is why I am sending the amp to Manley and have some of these options put in.
TVC sounds to be a great idea. Then there was the $800 relay controlled resistor set complete with remote control. Hmmm. That is a bit beyond me. I can still get off the couch to adjust volume.
TVC sounds to be a great idea. Then there was the $800 relay controlled resistor set complete with remote control. Hmmm. That is a bit beyond me. I can still get off the couch to adjust volume.
I've found a nice solution for this. I just set my non remote controlled TVC to a level that is just about the maximum that I'd ever want to listen. Then, I 'shave off' the remaining voltage by controlling my volume digitally. Technically, it isn't 'bit perfect' to do this, but in reality there is no compromise to sound quality until the digital volume drops below about 60%. Topping this off, I use Roon, and there is a solution developed called 'Roodial' that allows the use of a giant silver Microsoft Surface dial to act as a remote volume control (as well as playback controls). This way I can have a tactile and high quality 'volume knob' attached to the arm of my listening chair (Velcro).
Using this method, I usually have my digital volume set anywhere between 80% to 100%. The TVC acts as more of a passive voltage step down transformer, where the volume dial remains fixed.
One could use the digital volume slider in any playback software to do this -- it isn't restricted to Roon. A few playback programs offer the ability to remote control via smartphone with an app, which may allow the use of physical phone volume buttons for 'no look' adjustments.
This is a surprisingly unconventional set-up. I'm surprised to have never read of anyone else doing the same thing (combining a TVC with light digital attenuation), yet for me it's the best pre-amp setup I've ever owned (after years of owning many different designs). Eh, I'm not trying to push the idea, but just sharing in case it may inspire something similar.
Passive PreAmp....Military Intelligence....Unbiased Opinion....Alone Together....Jumbo Shrimp...Deafening Silence....Living Dead....Civil War.....Exact Estimate....Intense Apathy....Open Secret........
Not sure why people are so inclined to put people in their place. Its hard to lose money on stuff you put alot of sweat and money into. I just don't get it. You have some beautiful stuff here and its worth the money, but PEOPLE ARE CHEAP and want stuff for next to nothing. Really pi$$es me off.
Good luck to you sir. I hope you can sell this without getting too hosed.
Good luck to you sir. I hope you can sell this without getting too hosed.