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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
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
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.
jayme's avatar
jayme OP
52 posts
 
Thanks, I also did research which turned up some terrifyingly expensive transformer volume stuff from Silver Rock. Pretty ugly box, though, and you can buy most top tier actives for what they're asking! Still...
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Third recommendation for John @ Bent Audio. He's a great guy to work with and the S&B tranny volume controls *are* among the best to be had at any price. I have a pair going into a new preamp being built which will go with these amps: http://www.electronluv.com/ , built by the same guy of course (Josh). It will be debuting at T.H.E. show (the preamp).

-Ed
msa
35 posts
 
I was doing just what you propose: accuphase 75v into (in my case)a SF Power 2. Sounded great, until I put a Placette volume control in between; now it sounds "greater". Seriously, this is a wonderful passive control that I recommend highly.
creeper
251 posts
 
I've had great results running a Reference Line Audio passive pre. The build quality and aesthetic appeal is excellent. They are out of business (for now), but any good tech could fix one of these (very simple design). They can be found used quite reasonably. Happy listening.
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