Cheap but non-degrading solution to add volume control between dac and amp.

[doc2c]

Hi everyone,
Long time scourer, first time poster.

I have a JNOG DAC and I'm looking to buy a speaker amp but unfortunately it doesnt have a volume control on it.

I will be using this setup on my Windows desktop computer. I'd like to be able to use ASIO driver and no mess with Windows volume control.

I know a good preamp like Pre90 or Freya can control volume and not degrade the signal, but are there cheaper alternatives that wont have a negative impact on sound

 

[Newman]

Would also be interested in multichannel possibilities. I have low-output AVR pre-outs (unbalanced, as usual) and pro audio power amps (balanced inputs).

 

[Pdxwayne]

Sabaj a10h might work.

 

[DimitryZ]

Hi everyone,
Long time scourer, first time poster.

I have a JNOG DAC and I'm looking to buy a speaker amp but unfortunately it doesnt have a volume control on it.

I will be using this setup on my Windows desktop computer. I'd like to be able to use ASIO driver and no mess with Windows volume control.

I know a good preamp like Pre90 or Freya can control volume and not degrade the signal, but are there cheaper alternatives that wont have a negative impact on sound

Something like this:

Finished CS3310 remote volume control stereo preamplifier 4 ways input display | eBay

Finished CS3310 preamplifier x 1 Remote x 1 （have no battery，use CR2032 battery） AC Power Cord x 1.

www.ebay.com

 

[DVDdoug]

Maybe this or this.

Simple-passive attenuation doesn't damage the signal... The thing that might happen with a simple stereo pot like these is that the left & right might not match exactly.

 

[doc2c]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

Anything that would take balanced inputs and do balanced out?

Would some thing like these do the trick and not affect the sound?

https://www.amazon.com/DYNASTY-PROAUDIO-Controller-Extremely-Adjustments/dp/B08HPPXZLH/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=xlr+volume+control&qid=1636162787&sr=8-9

Behringer Monitor1 Passive Stereo Monitor and Volume Controller

Passive Monitor and Volume Controller with Mono and Mute Functions

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Kal Rubinson]

My solution is to use a software-based volume-controller (see below) which operates the volume in JRiver and/or directly in my DAC.

 

[FrantzM]

My solution is to use a software-based volume-controller (see below) which operates the volume in JRiver and/or directly in my DAC.

Model? Link to model and similar?

 

[mwickett]

I used the Behringer Monitor1 in a similar setup with powered monitors. It worked well, with some channel imbalance at very low volumes. I liked the feel of the volume knob.

If you don't need balanced, the Schiit Sys is another option. I use it as a switcher, but it also has passive volume.

 

[antcollinet]

The monitor 1 looks nice and simple.

 

[MCH]

Model? Link to model and similar?

https://www.amazon.com/Vaydeer-Multimedia-Controller-One-Click-Function/dp/B08V95ZZLM

I dream of something similar but inalambric, that works with moodeaudio and does not require a roon subscription

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Model? Link to model and similar?

I am using this one : https://www.droking.com/usb-controller-usb-volume-audio-adjuster-pc-speakers-switch-control-module-for-adjusting-volume-of-computer-laptop?search=Volume control&description=true

 

[Roger285]

I use a Mackie Big Knob 2x2 between my dac and Genelec monitors. It offers 2 balanced inputs and outputs.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Controller-2x2-KNOB-Passive/dp/B01NCUZ32O

 

[antcollinet]

That looks very similar to the Behringer monitor one, except it has switchable 2 in x2 out.

 

[Roger285]

It's fully passive and built like a tank. I think it's pretty transparent but haven't seen any measurements on it. It takes TRS in and out so you may need adapters or cables it you're working with xlr. Here's another one I use (I have a couple of edit suites): The Nano patch from JBL. It's not as nice or as flexible as the Mackie.

JBL Professional Nano Patch+

Compact 2 Channel Passive Volume Controller The Nano Patch+ really comes into its own when conne...

jblpro.com

 

[Kal Rubinson]

It's fully passive and built like a tank. I think it's pretty transparent but haven't seen any measurements on it.

It's a pot and so is the JBL. Quality depends on their source.

 

[Roger285]

Kal and I agree on this, I'll leave it at that!

 

[brimble]

Other options include this (also uses XLR connections, which for me would be a minus):

TC Electronic Level Pilot X Desktop Monitor Volume Control with XLR connectivity

The TC Electronic Level Pilot is a stylish, high-resolution volume solution that fits into any active speaker setup quickly and easily and with a minimum of clutter and wires. This results in convenient and high-precision control over your levels where you would ideally want it: right at your...

www.soundseasy.com.au

and the Palmer Monicon

 

[Aldoszx]

I am using this:

Amazon.com: Nobsound Little Bear MC2 Mini Fully-Balanced/Single-Ended Passive Preamp; Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier; XLR/RCA Volume Controller for Active Monitor Speakers (Black) : Electronics

Buy Nobsound Little Bear MC2 Mini Fully-Balanced/Single-Ended Passive Preamp; Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier; XLR/RCA Volume Controller for Active Monitor Speakers (Black): Preamplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[brimble]

I've just had the possibly deplorable idea of using one of these:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/115049742425

I'm going to try it later and see whether I can convince myself it sounds okay.