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volume knob (attenuator)

J

jonnyp

New Member
Hi,
I'm looking for a something quite simple: a device that is nothing more than a volume knob (an attenuator it is called, I think).

My setup is this, I feed the output of my raspberry Pi directly into a tube power amp, without a preamp.
I can control the volume with software, but that gives an audible loss in audio quality. So I am looking for a volume knob that I could place between the Raspberry and the tube amplifier. RCA in, volume knob, RCA out. That's all it should be. No preamplifying or multiple outputs needed. Does something like that exist? Or does anyone know how to make something like that? (I'm not into DIY myself, but a friend works in a studio and is quite handy).

Thanks,
Jonnyp
 
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jonnyp said:
So I am looking for a volume knob that I could place between the Raspberry and the tube amplifier. RCA in, volume knob, RCA out. That's all it should be. No preamplifying or multiple outputs needed. Does something like that exist?
Click to expand...
You can make one -- it's nothing more than a stereo audio-taper potentiometer in a box, wired with the fixed resistance to the Raspi output and variable resistance to the amplifier input -- but you can buy one ready-made. Search for "passive volume control", "passive level control", etc.

For example, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stage-Line-Version-Passive-Control/dp/B0063BH8DM
 
Thank you for the suggestions. I already have a Shiit dac, so the sys looks like a good option.

Does anyone have any experience with nobsound? The have a tube preamp that cost about the same: nobsound ns-10p and looks nice. Would it be a better choice then a passive preamp? Or would the sound quality be better with a passive preamp?
 
jonnyp said:
The have a tube preamp that cost about the same: nobsound ns-10p and looks nice. Would it be a better choice then a passive preamp? Or would the sound quality be better with a passive preamp?
Click to expand...
A passive preamplifier will typically introduce less distortion, noise and/or colouration than an active preamplifier, but sound quality is largely subjective -- up to the point of obvious noise or distortion -- so whether a passive preamp will sound better or not is up to the listener.
 
For your current set-up, all you need is a passive preamp to attentuate the volume of your Pi, but an active preamp would give you the flexibility to add other sources that may actually need preamplification to bring the level up, rather than just down--and for inexpensive ones, the prices aren't much different. Just food for thought.
 
savatage1973 said:
For your current set-up, all you need is a passive preamp to attentuate the volume of your Pi, but an active preamp would give you the flexibility to add other sources that may actually need preamplification to bring the level up, rather than just down--and for inexpensive ones, the prices aren't much different. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

The Shiit has 2 input sets, so OP could run something else thru it.....just sayin'.
 
I've got a Dilvpoetry tube preamp that's roughly the same as the Nobsound, or another made by FX Audio. It seems to do the job for a $30 unit. Although, to make it sound at all decent, you honestly need to invest almost as much in a set of different tubes. I got a set of GE JAN 5654's, then later a set of Tung-Sol 6AK5's. Better tone on the Tung-Sol's, brighter and more "solid state" sound from the GE's.
 
Nixxuz said:
I got a set of GE JAN 5654's, then later a set of Tung-Sol 6AK5's. Better tone on the Tung-Sol's, brighter and more "solid state" sound from the GE's.
Click to expand...

Not surprising--JAN tubes (Joint Army-Navy) are mil-spec tubes. Built much more ruggedly (triple mica, etc.), but they do tend lack "warmth". I've got some vintage Mullard's and RCA's that like in that size/application.
 
Axxess Universal Volume Control Knob AALC
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-Uni...el-Amp-Volume-Control-Knob-AALC-/142896615891
 
Lots of options. I've been looking for something similar. Schiit Sys was mentioned above. Fostex makes a cute volume controller that's about as simple as it can be, $30 on Amazon. For a while I was considering the JBL Nano Patch, which at $60 adds a mute switch, but it requires cable adapters if you don't already run XLR or 1/4" TS/TRS plugs.

Then I found the smallest version of the Mackie Knob, also for $60, which in addition to muting, throws in a mono button (useful for checking phase) and it has two switchable inputs and two switchable outputs. It also requires adapters for the cables, but thats a pretty easy hurdle to clear.
 
Well, I have decided on the Nobsound
Nobsound

Nobsound

  • Media owner jonnyp
  • Date added
It's simple and cheap. And it clearly says 'volume' under the knob, so no mistake is possibe ;)
The Fostex has a mini jack input. And I've read somewhere that the Mackie Knob, which is nice too, has sound problems (don't know if it's true...)
This looks nice too: https://www.thomann.de/be/genelec_z9000_ap.htm Just a big knob with no box, only cables. But they are mini jack, not what I need...
 
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