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this question deals more with newer gear. My new sources generate an output signal of 1.6-1.8vdc. Yes, that much! It seems to me that if the source signal is that strong - what's left for the preamp to do?
In the old days it was to boost the source signal, balance impedance issues and tone/balance if needed. New stuff doesn't seem to suffer as much or at all from impedance problems, and it surely doesn't need an EXTRA, and unneeded, amplification stage!
Now it seems that they are really only needed as a convienient central hookup.
Follow Ups:
What is wrong with "extra" stages ? If you don't use the tone controls on your S5000 amp, the signal still passes through these stages, yes ? Then, how about the extra caps and resistors inherent using an integrated ? There is nothing wrong with using quality line stages; even those that may be "extra" to our needs. Can you imagine how many gain stages the classic music we listen to has gone through, simply in the sound studio ? Let's face it. Our choice of components is like our tone control.
There are some very cool hybrid tube headphone amps on the market, very reasonably priced, right now, that work astoundingly well as line stages and buffers. Their gain and drive abilities are admirable. If only they incorporated a remote ! Brands like Indeed, Bravo, Little Bear all offer some cool items. For your applications, perhaps the remote you crave should also interface with one of these. My tube/FET headphone amp/preamp, with RCA jax in & out, sounds fantastic between cdp and preamp (or cdp and int amp).
One important lesson I learned while working in sound studio environments is "never be afraid of extra line level stages. They can present the music in a beneficial way." It's a simple thought when you step back from the less is more syndrome. Let's say you really liked the phono stage in your S5000. You can take the output from the tape record output stage, before the controls, or jack in after the line stage, if you like, maybe needing a bit of wiring know how. Now, let's say you want to go to your new remote and then to another ss power amp. If you used a preamp, like my known reference line stage, you can take that phono/tone corrected signal from the S5000 and now go through your reference line stage/buffer, or not, then directly to the remote to the ss amp. My guess is you may enjoy the extra gain stages more than you currently think...
I was referring to my new gear. The S-5000 is perfect just the way it is. I've even adjusted to not having a remote volume control.
It's like going back to not having a remote for your TV.
charles
IMO, passive preamp is an oxymoron. Passive control center is the terminology I prefer.When the signal source(s) is/are at 2 VRMS (that of a "standard" CDP), a line stage with gain is usually inappropriate.
A passive control center can be fine, under those circumstances. For a 10 Kohm passive control center to work well, the I/P impedance of the power amp should be at least 100 Kohms and the interconnect cables both short and low capacitance, as in unshielded. Please observe that the signal source(s) must be compatible with a 10 Kohm load. Commercial CDPs meet the need. A 50 Kohm passive should work into 500 Kohms. The 470 Kohms found at the I/P of some tube amps is OK, but don't go lower. These are examples of the 1:10 rule, which states that a driving impedance of X Ω should be loaded with 10X Ω.
Frequently, the conditions for satisfactory use of a passive control center are not present. Then, a buffered volume control is appropriate, as it provides the low impedance/high current drive needed for long, high capacitance cables and also provides a high I/P impedance.
Eli D.
Edits: 03/22/14
I was looking at this for my NAD. The NAD has both 10k and 100k switchable input settings.
Dunno. The 2nd line O/P is (IMO) fluff. Remember the 1:10 rule. A pot. has no drive capability. :> (
If you use your NAD power power amp in the 100 Kohm I/P impedance configuration and the interconnect cables are short, braided, and unshielded, you probably will be OK.
If you live in a cesspit of EMI/RFI, forget the passive idea. You previously mentioned the ability to DIY. Parts Connexion offers the beginnings of a DIY remote control center. A link is provided below.
Eli D.
Could a remote motor driven pot like the one shown on the link that you provided be set up in a separate box at the input of the preamp to allow remote volume control without changing the pot in the existing preamp?
Thanks,
Dave
Luckily, the board clearly marks a connection block with VOL-in R-L-G and VOL-out R-L-G.
Just pull and reroute a few wires - and why not!
charles
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