What is it called?


I have a McIntosh MC-252. And a CDP. The Mc has no gain control. I do not have preamp $$$ right now. I need a volume control. Does Raio Shack have what I need? If so what is it called, because the local RS ppl say they have nothing like that. Or, what other ways can volume be controlled, cheaply. thanks.
alburger
Maybe what you're looking for is an attenuator. Not necessarily cheap but very transparent if you don't mind getting out of your chair to adjust volume.

Check this out:

http://www.tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/Ultimate_Attenuators.html
You are looking for a passive volume control. Try the forums. You could read for days on this topic. Don't waste your time at Radio Shack.
Rat Shack actually has a nice volume pot, you will have to buy a little plastic box and some input and output jacks as well as some wire. If you are handy, you can build yourself a nice little one input passive preamp in less than an afternoon. I built one for a friend and he preferred it to his $1800.00 preamp. When you get a bit more scratch, you can replace the pot with a stepped attenuator for even greater transparency, upgrade the wire, jacks, etc.
How much can you afford right now for a pre-amp? I have a Yamaha Pre-Amp C85 that is non-remote I could sell for 75.00 plus shipping. It has a decent phono stage plus 4-5 inputs. It's been a while since I have looked at it so memory is off a little but it is in original box w/manual.
Problem you ask? Yes a few broken RCA inputs but enough remain for a CDP, Tuner and maybe a third component.