DIY line stage or passive pre?

Face

For my bedroom rig, I'd like to build a passive pre.

I'm still unsure if I need one or two inputs, but I definitely need two outputs since I'm bi-amping.

Right now I have both amps directly hooked up to my CDP. Luckily, my CDP has a adjustable output. But, even at the lowest setting, the volume is still a little high for late night listening. But at least I know gain won't be a problem.

I also am considering gutting my Dynakit Pat-4 and using it's case because it's not a very desirable pre, mods for it are very expensive, and it matches the ST-70 I'm using on my tweeters.

So any suggestions or links I should follow?

(Ben, I may need some funky orange wire)

Thanks,
Mike

zingo

On two channel stuff, I have rarely needed more than one input, so that would be my choice (I use my source and stick to it). Dual output is always a good idea, and a third for a subwoofer also isn't a bad move. If the Dynakit case works for you, use it. On my amp, I looked and looked for a case, and ended up having to make one because nothing fit my bill for a reasonable price. Plus, having things match always look cool.

Systems

If you do not need the gain then use a good 10k ALPS or NOBLE pot or better yet a stepped attenuator.

These are nice looking reasonable priced chassis and available in several sizes..I have used them on several projects and they should be perfect for a preamp,active or passive.http://www.hammondmfg.com/1455ptbla.htm

Face

Thanks for the info!

Gaara

You don't necessarily need a passive pre. If you like the volume control on your CDP you could get some basic attenuators, something like Goldenjacks and if you need to split the signal get 2 Y Adapters. If you want to get fancy you could get Ultralink Ys, supposed to be pretty beefy.

IMO the simplest solution is usually the best. Using a pair of attenuators w/ Ys will have the least alteration of the sound plus will be the cheapest at <$60.

If you want stepped attenuators Endler is pretty popular, I use them w/ my LSi9 rig. They work very well and are cheap at ~$80. Positive Feedback put out a sparkling review on them and did a comparison to Placette...the Endlers were much better. Since then they have been on backorder for months.

I have compared them to various pres including multiple TVCs, Luminous Audio Axiom, B&K Ref 50, Modwright SWL 9.0SE, Nuforce P-8, etc. I prefer the TVCs slightly because they sound better at lower volumes, but the differences are small. The Endlers easily bested every active pre I have tried w/ the sole exception of the Modwright.

tryrrthg

Gaara, have you ever tried the Goldpoint passives/Attenuators? I believe they use a similar design as the Placette with the vishay resistors, etc...

http://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html

sorry for the slight highjack, but you can at least take a look at the Gold Point attenuators for your DIY project.

Gaara

tryrrthg wrote: »

Gaara, have you ever tried the Goldpoint passives/Attenuators? I believe they use a similar design as the Placette with the vishay resistors, etc...

http://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html

sorry for the slight highjack, but you can at least take a look at the Gold Point attenuators for your DIY project.

Nope. Never done DIY, I suck with a soldering iron. I tried a few passives and when I bought my first TVC there was no going back, at least for my main and pc rigs.

Face

tryrrthg wrote: »

Gaara, have you ever tried the Goldpoint passives/Attenuators? I believe they use a similar design as the Placette with the vishay resistors, etc...

http://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html

sorry for the slight highjack, but you can at least take a look at the Gold Point attenuators for your DIY project.

I found that site last night, a little more than what I want to spend right now, but I'll keep them in mind for later on.

ben62670

Did that link I sent you work?
Ben

tryrrthg

Gaara wrote: »

Nope. Never done DIY, I suck with a soldering iron. I tried a few passives and when I bought my first TVC there was no going back, at least for my main and pc rigs.

I was referring to the pre-built passive pre's in my first link. Wondering if you had ever tried it...

http://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html

Gaara

tryrrthg wrote: »

I was referring to the pre-built passive pre's in my first link. Wondering if you had ever tried it...

http://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html

Didn't even realize they made their own passive pres. No never tried the ones linked. I like things as simple as possible, I like the Endlers because they connect directly to the amp, no running a extra set of cables.

For passives I have tried a Luminous Audio Axiom, Endler Attenautors, and various Promitheus Audio TVCs (Rev 2 Ref 3, Rev 3 Ref 3, Rev 3 Ref 1). Also tried Goldenjacks and Rothwell attenuators w/ sources w/ volume control.

Face

Gaara wrote: »

You don't necessarily need a passive pre. If you like the volume control on your CDP you could get some basic attenuators, something like Goldenjacks and if you need to split the signal get 2 Y Adapters. If you want to get fancy you could get Ultralink Ys, supposed to be pretty beefy.

IMO the simplest solution is usually the best. Using a pair of attenuators w/ Ys will have the least alteration of the sound plus will be the cheapest at <$60.

If you want stepped attenuators Endler is pretty popular, I use them w/ my LSi9 rig. They work very well and are cheap at ~$80. Positive Feedback put out a sparkling review on them and did a comparison to Placette...the Endlers were much better. Since then they have been on backorder for months.

I have compared them to various pres including multiple TVCs, Luminous Audio Axiom, B&K Ref 50, Modwright SWL 9.0SE, Nuforce P-8, etc. I prefer the TVCs slightly because they sound better at lower volumes, but the differences are small. The Endlers easily bested every active pre I have tried w/ the sole exception of the Modwright.

You know, I didn't even realize there were links in your reply. The text and links are the same color. :rolleyes:
I already have a pair of those Y's here, I think I'm going to jump on the Goldenjacks just to keep it simple. Thanks!