Less is more? Premium passive linestage... HELP


It doesn't necessarily have to be most expensive (but I wouldn't rule out $$$ units solely on price) but must have high build quality and excellent "guts."
I'm completely re-building my system and strongly considering a cdp w/volume control to go directly to amp (which I did quite happily for 13 years)...but I'm torn between that and the practicality of accessing a tuner and tv/video programming, as well. In other words, I'd like to know the choices which (I'm no DIY-guy) would provide high quality switching flexibility and minimal sonic degradation (I'm considering an Accuphase 75v and Piega 10s).
(Please, no thread hijacking this into a passive vs. active, or $$ correlation w/quality, issue.).
128x128jayme
I'd recommend taking a look at the Bent Audio website. They have some passive preamp products there that I think are some of the best. They offer a wide variety of inputs and outputs, with both balanced and single-ended connections. They have a choice of resistive volume control or transformer volume control(which I think is the way to go), and they have manually operated units and remote control operated units. Their layouts and parts quality is top notch. And the styling of their remote control unit is very cool, I think. Prices vary from about $750, all the way up to over $2500, depending on options chosen. This is worth a few minutes to look at.
If you can do without a remote, I don't think you can do any better than the Ultimate Attenuators by EVS. I believe they are discontinued, but there are some used for sale here (were $250 NEW) ocassionally. Anybody out there know better, (or even as good) performance for the $$$?
I should have my transformer volume control in the next week or two. John Chapman at bent audio will build one for you with the options you want on it. Do a search over at AA for bent 102 transformer volume control. You can contact John at his fouum at Harmonic Discord.