[BobM]

Does anyone have any comments, positive or negative, about this relatively inexpensive passive preamp currently for sale on Audiogon:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?preatran&1158714515

I need something to turn down my bass amp (McCormack DNA.5) in a biamping scenario (Audio Prism Debut II on the top end). This sounds like it might be a decent solution.

Ideally I would like something that I could also use to better equalize the bass in the room, but I really don't want to digitize he signal with a Berenger or the like - the crossover point is too high at @2200Hz.

Thoughts? Comments? Other suggestions?

Thanks,
Bob

[R_burke]

You can buy a relatively inexpensive professional crossover unit that has gain control for high and low.  I used one in a passive bi-amp situation to equalize the gain between a SS and Tube amp.  The one I used was a RANE SAC 22, here are the details:

http://www.rane.com/sac22.html

I still have mine and could be talked into selling it, but you can probably find one local to you and not have to deal with shipping, try e-bay or even the craigslist in your area.

[BobM]

Thanks for the idea, but I think it's probably overkill for what I want to do - simply turn down the level on the bass amp. I'm not looking to adjust the crossover point (that's controlled by the passive crossover in the speakers).

I'm still thinking a passive volume control may be the best and simplest solution.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Bob

[woodsyi]

Bob,

I got this kit http://www.tubeaudiostore.com/pasvolkit.htmland put it in a electrical switchbox to use to match output levels on my amps when I was doing passive bi-amping.  In my case I was attenuating my tubes to match the ss amp.    It wasn't the best for tubes on mid/treble but may be just right for an ss amp doing bass.  Good luck.

[R_burke]

Thanks for the idea, but I think it's probably overkill for what I want to do - simply turn down the level on the bass amp. I'm not looking to adjust the crossover point (that's controlled by the passive crossover in the speakers).

I'm still thinking a passive volume control may be the best and simplest solution.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Bob

It wasn't about adjusting the crossover point as much as it was a cheap way to adjust the gain (volume) between two different amps.  You should be able to find one of these crossovers for less than $100.00

[SMc Audio]

Hi Bob -

I did not see your post until just now, so this may be a little late.  You are on the right track with the passive controller you mentioned, and perhaps you have tried it by now.  The problem, as I see it, is that your crossover point is rather high - 2200Hz I believe you stated.  Although this would be labeled as the "Low Frequency" side of a separated crossover network, it is hardly "bass."  In fact, it is the majority of your music, so the quality of the attenuator you choose becomes very important.  Fortunately, the passive controller you refer to appears to be a fairly high-quality unit, although the ad did not give full detail.  In any event, I expect you will hear right away if the attenuator you choose is causing a problem, or not.  If you are unhappy with your first choice, take a look at some of the transformer-based (TVC) passive volume controls that are now available.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com

[zybar]

Hi Bob -

I did not see your post until just now, so this may be a little late.  You are on the right track with the passive controller you mentioned, and perhaps you have tried it by now.  The problem, as I see it, is that your crossover point is rather high - 2200Hz I believe you stated.  Although this would be labeled as the "Low Frequency" side of a separated crossover network, it is hardly "bass."  In fact, it is the majority of your music, so the quality of the attenuator you choose becomes very important.  Fortunately, the passive controller you refer to appears to be a fairly high-quality unit, although the ad did not give full detail.  In any event, I expect you will hear right away if the attenuator you choose is causing a problem, or not.  If you are unhappy with your first choice, take a look at some of the transformer-based (TVC) passive volume controls that are now available.

Best regards,

Steve McCormack
www.SMcAudio.com

Nice to see you posting on AudioCircle Steve - welcome!   

George

[SMc Audio]

Thanks, George.  I hope all is well with you, and that you have fully adjusted to your new home / listening room 

Steve M

[Bob Reynolds]

Bob,

If you're still looking, the NHT Passive Volume Control might work for you. It lists for $100. I use one in my office system and I think JA (Stereophile) lists one in his Associated Equipment list.

http://nhthifi.com/2006/products/pchifi/pvc.html

[toobluvr]

That's easy... Ric Schultz' EVS Ultimate attenuators.

No longer in production, so you'd have to watch the used markets.
Certainly a simple, elegant and very high-quality solution.

Kindof rare on AG, but when they show they are obtainable for 150-200 dollars.

Pics tell you all you need to know...just slap 'em onto your bass amp:

http://www.tweakaudio.com/Ultimate%20Attenuators.html