Was doing a search on AA for info on autoformer vs transformer volume controls, and came upon several posts about the use of in-wall volume controls (designed to go between amp and speakers) as passive autoformer preamps. They use the ins and outs for RCA jacks instead of for speaker wire, and the result is really good...one guy says he replaced his BAT tube pre with one of these.
One mentioned is a product by NXG Technologies (
http://shopping.yahoo.com/search/all?is=1&p=nx-vc70&did= ), but Radioshack has some offerings (model #40-987) and so does Sonance. The steps vary from 10 (Ratshack and Sonance) to 12 (NXG), and are pretty wide in the first few positions (Ratshack). I took a look at the Radio Shack version tonight and its impressive in terms of heft and build quality....all for $37.
What you think? I'm planning to give it a try, unless someone tells me the potential is there to do serious damage to my amp or source.
D.
