Looking for preamp to drive powered monitors

[aikofan]

My desktop system consists of a PC/AirPlay (sources) -> Cambridge CXN v2 (streamer/DAC/preamp) -> Genelec 8030c (speakers).

After some changes in my internet service, the Cambridge has been frequently dropping its AirPlay connection. I tried troubleshooting this with my ISP, but that went nowhere, so now I’m thinking of replacing the Cambridge with either 1 or 2 devices to provide the streamer/DAC/preamp function. Also, it’ll be nice to get this awkward full-sized component off my desk.

For the streamer/DAC, I’ll probably go with the Wiim Pro Plus. In addition, I want an analog volume control in between the Wiim and Genelec because I don’t quite trust the integrated DAC volume control in the Wiim to not blow up one day and send 0 dB signal to my powered monitors. I’m thankful that the Cambridge has never done that, but plenty of other DACs I’ve owned (miniDSP, NAD, Oppo, etc.) have.

So I’m looking for a preamp with these requirements:
* Decent quality volume control
* XLR output
* RCA input
* Good value (under $600 for sure, preferably under $400)
* Compact size

Here are my candidates so far in ranked order:
1) Schiit Midgard - good price and size, nice to have an XLR input for my Motu M2 for emergencies but not essential
2) Schiit Saga 2 - any advantages for me over the Midgard, given the slightly higher price and larger size? I don’t need all those extra RCA inputs, but maybe the volume control is nicer than on the Midgard’s?
3) Yisheng/Nobsound passive volume/switcher (https://www.ebay.com/itm/255455371503) - even nicer price and volume control, but might the SE RCA -> unbalanced XLR output in passive unit have impedance or other issues driving my powered monitors?

In addition, are there any good DAC/streamers that have a separate volume control module that’s more resistant to the dreaded 0 dB error that’s reasonably priced, so I wouldn’t need to get a separate preamp? For example, I was looking at the Eversolo DMP-A6 2, but as far as I can tell, it controls volume in the DAC chip. I can’t find any under $800 units that have a separate volume control.

I wish I hadn’t sold my Benchmark DAC1 15 years ago.

 

[unpluggged]

I don’t quite trust the integrated DAC volume control in the Wiim to not blow up one day and send 0 dB signal to my powered monitors.

1) If you worry about the speakers, they have built-in limiters that protect the speakers, so this is not a concern.
2) If you worry about your hearing, set the sensitivity to such a value that will not let the output volume to exceed a certain SPL even when fed with full-scale signal. If it's still too hot, use passive fixed attenuators.

 

[aikofan]

1) If you worry about the speakers, they have built-in limiters that protect the speakers, so this is not a concern.
2) If you worry about your hearing, set the sensitivity to such a value that will not let the output volume to exceed a certain SPL even when fed with full-scale signal. If it's still too hot, use passive fixed attenuators.

Those are reasonable suggestions.

I am worried about my hearing as well as my mental health, because every time this happens to me, I get PTSD and anxiously brace myself every time I power on my system for months afterward (my wife gets scared even worse and demands that we get rid of all the gear).

I could try testing the Genelec input sensitivity controls and see how loud the lowest setting of -6dB is when I have the source at full volume. But $200 and change for a user-friendly preamp seems like a small price to pay for the flexibility and convenience.

 

[unpluggged]

because every time this happens to me

"Every time"? How often does it happen? How do you control your volume now if it happens so often? This is not normal.

I could try testing the Genelec input sensitivity controls and see how loud the lowest setting of -6dB

The lowest setting is "+6", not "-6".

But $200 and change for a user-friendly preamp seems like a small price to pay for the flexibility and convenience.

It would be a waste of money.

 

[aikofan]

I was confused about the Genelec input sensitivity, but after taking a peek at the back of the monitors, I saw that I already have it set to +6, which is plenty loud with my current gear, but I'm guessing it'll be quieter with the single-ended output from a Wiim.

I can't count the number of times I've had digital volume controls go crazy on me, but this has happened with at least 5 different units over the past 10 years, including once blowing out a tweeter. So I currently have a passive attenuator in front of the DAC in my living room system. In my desktop system, I just use the Cambridge DAC directly into the active monitors because that volume control never glitches to maximum volume. Instead it'll sometimes turn down by itself, but that error I can live with.