looking for small preamp with remote

[dmoss74]

hi,

i'm trying to add a small footprint and economical preamp (with remote) to the following setup.

node 2i>smsl su-1>fosi audio za3>kef Q350 speakers>jbl powered 10" sub.

i'm quite happy with this setup, but the lack of a remote to control volume is not ideal. the replay gain settings in the node are pretty bad, and i do also play music through it from my home server.

fosi has the ZD3 preamp/dac unit, but I'm already using the su-1 as a dac. that is redundant. I really only need a preamp with a remote. i'd like something with a small footprint, and under $150.00 (if possible).

thanks for any suggestions.

 

[staticV3]

I'd replace the SU-1 with an E30II Lite

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
Tricky to find an inexpensive preamp with remote that isn't also a DAC.
You already have quite a lot of separate boxes (each with power supply etc) ... how about selling the Node and the DAC and replacing them with the WiiM Ultra, or WiiM Pro Plus (not sure if that has a remote, other than the very good app)?

 

[dmoss74]

thanks. both are good suggestions.

 

[El Cheapo]

Recently introduced...Fosi P4 Preamp

Remote with motorized volume control, $100

 

[Joe Smith]

Fosi has the smallest footprint, and is a huge value; the Schiit Saga 2 is more expensive and is larger, but has a lovely stepped volume control.

 

[badie]

wrote a little review on the P4 in German (maybe use a translator)
Fosi P4 review in German - LINK

 

[dmoss74]

wrote a little review on the P4 in German (maybe use a translator)
Fosi P4 review in German - LINK

thanks for the link. the translation was spot on, as far as i can tell.

it sounds like a nice match for the za3, but the lack of a trigger out is a bummer.

 

[Joe Smith]

thanks for the link. the translation was spot on, as far as i can tell.

it sounds like a nice match for the za3, but the lack of a trigger out is a bummer.

I would not be surprised to see Fosi release the XLR version with a trigger...

 

[badie]

thanks for the link.

Happy to help. Happy to get a

I would not be surprised to see Fosi release the XLR version with a trigger...

I would even expect this to happen

 

[Roland68]

hi,

i'm trying to add a small footprint and economical preamp (with remote) to the following setup.

node 2i>smsl su-1>fosi audio za3>kef Q350 speakers>jbl powered 10" sub.

i'm quite happy with this setup, but the lack of a remote to control volume is not ideal. the replay gain settings in the node are pretty bad, and i do also play music through it from my home server.

fosi has the ZD3 preamp/dac unit, but I'm already using the su-1 as a dac. that is redundant. I really only need a preamp with a remote. i'd like something with a small footprint, and under $150.00 (if possible).

thanks for any suggestions.

You could also go a different route and replace 3 devices with a Sabaj A30a.
You have a digital source and a digital path to the output, and you save yourself the entire analog path, analog cables, DAC, analog preamplifier, etc.
There is now a tried and tested and compact amplifier with enough power.

 

[Northa40]

hi,

i'm trying to add a small footprint and economical preamp (with remote) to the following setup.

node 2i>smsl su-1>fosi audio za3>kef Q350 speakers>jbl powered 10" sub.

i'm quite happy with this setup, but the lack of a remote to control volume is not ideal. the replay gain settings in the node are pretty bad, and i do also play music through it from my home server.

fosi has the ZD3 preamp/dac unit, but I'm already using the su-1 as a dac. that is redundant. I really only need a preamp with a remote. i'd like something with a small footprint, and under $150.00 (if possible).

thanks for any suggestions.

Hi I got the Fosi P4 a week ago and it sounds great and I can recommend it. I am using the Fosi Box X5 and the SU-1 as well. As some reviews have said the motorized volume pot does take quite a big jump at low volume. It is worth the $100 usd.

 

[Northa40]

I'd replace the SU-1 with an E30II Lite

The issue for me with the E30II is the lack of analog inputs. I have a turntable and a tape deck, for me the SU-1 is fine. I get 3 inputs a pre out, volume control, a remote control and bass and treble controls. covers all the boxes.