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

[Robin L]

I've got a Yamaha AVR as a 2.1 amp, set the AVRs volume level to "0db", use a Topping L30 as volume control, works great.

 

[Brab]

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

I had the Level Pilot. It is not transparent. I now use this. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000761808834.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.55404c4dMXB
It's the best attenuator I've had in my system but you need to put it in a box, and it's single-ended.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

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

I've had good experience with the Pilot.

 

[doc2c]

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

I've noticed that when I use ASIO drivers for my dac, I lose the ability to control volume in Windows, which is expected....would this still work since it's a software solution?

 

[doc2c]

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

I really like the aesthetics of this one, plus my speakers are JBL too

 

[BitPerfect_]

I have a question somehow related.
How about a not so expensive digital volume solution, remote controlled between the source and the dac Optical or Coax in/ out, did anyone find and use it? There is no PC in this chain. Thanks,

I already have an amp with volume control but I’ve found that sometimes the analog volume doesn’t help because it will be loud at the very beginning of the course.

 

[antcollinet]

I have a question somehow related.
How about a not so expensive digital volume solution, remote controlled between the source and the dac Optical or Coax in/ out, did anyone find and use it? There is no PC in this chain. Thanks,

I already have an amp with volume control but I’ve found that sometimes the analog volume doesn’t help because it will be loud at the very beginning of the course.

That will not be inexpensive - because it has to do DSP (albeit very simple DSP)

 

[antcollinet]

An alternative I have looked at can be found here. If I end up getting a Power amp, there is a strong chance I will build this into a box together with the input selctor as a basic "pre-amp" (Which does nothing but volume control and input selection)

Requires a certain amout of DIY capability though.
AliExpress link so you may need to change the language when you get there

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I've noticed that when I use ASIO drivers for my dac, I lose the ability to control volume in Windows, which is expected....would this still work since it's a software solution?

First, I've not used this particular one (yet), only the Droking.
Second, it will depend on the ASIO driver, of course. My experience is with the exaSound drivers for my exaSound DACs.

 

[Bob Olhsson]

I've had very mixed results using the very same expensive passive attenuators depending on the gear they were placed between. I think the ideal would be digital if it is properly dithered to eliminate truncation distortion. The only ways you can bypass Microsoft's built in DSP are ASIO and WASAPI exclusive mode.

Amir was involved in the development of WASAPI and could explain how best to do it, assuming he is not still trapped under NDA.

 

[coonmanx]

I used to use a cheap Chinese preamp for source volume control from the TV to the amp because otherwise I had to turn up the amp too much. It cost me about $40, had low THD and sounded good enough to me. I don't know how it would work with a dedicated music source however.

 

[coonmanx]

This is not the same one I used but is similar...

 

[coonmanx]

Here is an actual photo of the one I was using, both front and back...

 

[pierre]

Less cheap but working for surround too

 

[Rick63]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the $49 Schiit Sys yet, perhaps because it is currently out of stock?

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Made in USA

www.schiit.com

 

[brimble]

Here's yet another one

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.

I tried this and it wasn't fun, because the volume control is so imprecise.

 

[Brab]

I've also had this one, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001118131989.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2c254c4dMJ1xtE. Quite good, and balanced.

 

[MeThinksTooMuch]

Don't think Emotiva makes it any longer, but I use their Control Freak and find it to be acceptable and convenient. Can’t say the same about the Stealth 6s I purchased from them which is why I own the Freak. If you can find it used by itself, maybe a worthwhile buy?

 

[nagster]

About SINAD vs Level of behringer MONITOR1 (passive), SPL Volume2 / model2602 (active) and TOPPING Pre90 (active).
DAC used TOPPING D90SE.

 

[Rja4000]

About SINAD vs Level of behringer MONITOR1 (passive), SPL Volume2 / model2602 (active) and TOPPING Pre90 (active).
DAC used TOPPING D90SE.
View attachment 210880

Thanks for this !
Exactly what I was looking for.

The D90SE is actually very impressive by itself.
I'm surprised there is so little difference between the pre90 and the D90SE direct.

Is there a way you could measure impedances at, say, -20dB ?