[Matt Cooney]

Thought to share my observations on the Nobsound Mini on my all-Bryston separates: My preamp is in the shop.  For under $50, I thought why not get an inexpensive passive preamp to keep the system functional and try something different.  The Nobsound Mini is basically a potentiometer (volume control) with balanced inputs and outputs, and I had read some favorable reviews.  My experience reflects the more negative experiences of others, i.e., sounds somewhat lifeless, cold, "something missing."  My system already leaned a bit to the clinical side, and this passive did not help.  With a "laid back" system it might sharpen the sound in an advantageous way, but in mine it sounds precise yet dead.  Still, for $50 it does the job and I don't mind having it on.  Matt (BDP2 -> BDA2 -> BP25-> 7BSST2 -> B&W Matrix803II)

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Fully-Balanced-Single-Ended-Pre-Amplifier-Controller/dp/B01MXC9HHW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=nobsound+mini+preamp&qid=1584892289&sr=8-4

[Wind Chaser]

The end result depends on compatible impedance. Where there are impedance issues the result will fall into the meh category. Where there are no impedance issues the result is stellar in the wow category. 

[Matt Cooney]

Wind Chaser, I'm still in my learning curve on electronics, so could you elaborate?  If this device just attenuates, it is not really relevant in the impedance matching handoffs, correct?  It is basically my DAC (BDA2) tallking to my amps, and that is the impedance mismatch that might be occurring?  And my Bryston preamp is likely better matched on both the input and output ends, resulting in a better signal handoff?

[Randy]

Thought to share my observations on the Nobsound Mini on my all-Bryston separates: My preamp is in the shop.  For under $50, I thought why not get an inexpensive passive preamp to keep the system functional and try something different.  The Nobsound Mini is basically a potentiometer (volume control) with balanced inputs and outputs, and I had read some favorable reviews.  My experience reflects the more negative experiences of others, i.e., sounds somewhat lifeless, cold, "something missing."  My system already leaned a bit to the clinical side, and this passive did not help.  With a "laid back" system it might sharpen the sound in an advantageous way, but in mine it sounds precise yet dead.  Still, for $50 it does the job and I don't mind having it on.  Matt (BDP2 -> BDA2 -> BP25-> 7BSST2 -> B&W Matrix803II)

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Fully-Balanced-Single-Ended-Pre-Amplifier-Controller/dp/B01MXC9HHW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=nobsound+mini+preamp&qid=1584892289&sr=8-4

Reflects my experience with this unit also.  I smoothed it out some by using a tube buffer, which would have eliminated any impedance issues at the same time. However, the sound from it wore on me and eventually became intolerable, although it was hard to determine what the issue was. Maybe just an overall, but subtle, rough around the edges sound.  (I was also using it as a stop gap while my main pre was being repaired.)