Passive pre amp or not that is the question?

logo896

Just picked up the B&K ref 50, to go with my Ref 200.2 on my LSI's. While i really like it I have a primarly computer based set up I use. I have a DAC magic, and i hooked it up direct to my power amp today to see how it sounded. AWESOME! Only problem is volume 1 on the windows bar is relitley loud. So ive considered the passive pre amp route.


Im looking for some advice on how many of you suggest this and just the basics of what i should look for. So far ive seen the axiom ones on agon that got my attention because I like the XLR connections.

tonyb

Why don't you use the B&K as the pre amp. Using the volume control in the computer has to suck. Go from the dac magics analog outputs to the cd input or other available inputs. Set the computers volume to fixed instead of variable and away you go.

zingo

The Axiom is an awesome preamp, and Tim custom builds each one to the specs of the equipment it will be connected to. I have found that they have awesome synergy, are very easy to use and hook-up, and one of the best bangs for the buck in audio. Shoot Tim and email from his site and he can let you know if a passive pre would work well in your system; speaker sensitivity, amplifier gain, source output, etc.

logo896

zingo wrote: »

The Axiom is an awesome preamp, and Tim custom builds each one to the specs of the equipment it will be connected to. I have found that they have awesome synergy, are very easy to use and hook-up, and one of the best bangs for the buck in audio. Shoot Tim and email from his site and he can let you know if a passive pre would work well in your system; speaker sensitivity, amplifier gain, source output, etc.

Thanks for the advice zingo, I appreciate the feedback as well tonyb. My big thing is why run the ref 50 if all im doing is a direct signal setting anyways. I just need volume adjust and none of the processing. I have a dedicated stereo fund mostly and Its a waste to have a ref 50 is im not using any of what it does.

lanchile

What is the Input Impedance/Sensitivity of your amp?
most the time you can use just a potentiometer with you amp and use it as passive integrated amp.
Use a 10k stereo potentiometer from Alps like this:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.hificollective.co.uk/pdf/alps_layout1.pdf&sa=U&ei=5a_iTvvwO-Ll0QHjqZDBBQ&ved=0CA8QFjAA&usg=AFQjCNFxv7utsIPhsFljXuoqEy965SwgqQ

lanchile

This is an example of a passive one! but you can make one for way cheaper than that!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DALAUDIO-Passive-PreAmp-Volume-Control-Gainclone-/110724840814?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c7b6fd6e

Face

I would use a Goldpoint stepped attenuator, not a cheap volume pot.

http://www.goldpt.com/

lanchile

Face wrote: »

I would use a Goldpoint stepped attenuator, not a cheap volume pot.

http://www.goldpt.com/

Very nice one face! Alps and Nobles are very good for the money.There are many stepped potentiometer on ebay that are really good for around $50usd. I have used some with very good results. There are some good ones at Partsconnexion too.

dudeinaroom

I've got a B&K PRO 10 MC that I run passive. I have no problem getting it loud enough. When plugged in it can get a little bit louder than when running in passive mode(it has 3 sets of out puts on 2 that are qctive and 1 that is passive). Beside not using any power, I don't have to worry about little finger cranking the volume and driving the amp into clipping. In my setup it's plenty loud enough for listening or rocking out.

tonyb

logo896 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice zingo, I appreciate the feedback as well tonyb. My big thing is why run the ref 50 if all im doing is a direct signal setting anyways. I just need volume adjust and none of the processing. I have a dedicated stereo fund mostly and Its a waste to have a ref 50 is im not using any of what it does.

By running into the B&k'S analog in's, and setting to direct, that is all your doing is adding volume control with no processing. Just saying is all. As far as SS pre's go, the B&k is no slouch, but if you were to go tubed pre, thats another story.

logo896

tonyb wrote: »

By running into the B&k'S analog in's, and setting to direct, that is all your doing is adding volume control with no processing. Just saying is all. As far as SS pre's go, the B&k is no slouch, but if you were to go tubed pre, thats another story.

I got the ref 50 for such a good deal i hate to dump it in less than a week too. Im not ready to step into tubes that will be quite some time. I do see their value, but i am planning on buy the cables i like first.

Pepster is building some sweet ones. I just got my new power cable today. Like many people ive been balancing my HT set up as well and finally moved into a dedicated 2 channel this week. I am finally very happy with my HT set up and have it as kid proofed as possible. My daughter does love to push the power amps power switch though.

tonyb

logo896 wrote: »

My big thing is why run the ref 50 if all im doing is a direct signal setting anyways. I just need volume adjust and none of the processing

Because the ref 50 can do what you want without spending more coin.

logo896

Alright so I sold the ref 50 today because like i said it was a waste to have it when i dont use it for anything past volume control. I am very happy with my DacMagic. Now i do not have any volume control and so my question is do I buy one of these gold point or axiom passive pre amps or instead do i just cough up for the DacMagic plus which has its own volume control right on the front. I primarly use mog for streaming or my cd player and the dac magic already gives me the ability to switch between sources.

steveinaz

If transparency is what you are after---then get a passive and run the DAC line level. My Placette is more transparent/neutral than my Benchmark running in preamp mode...just an FYI.