[bundee1]

I have a set of Monarchy SM-70 pros with a Luminous Axiom Passive Preamp. The Monarchys have high gain so a passive is ideal for it. I think with this type of passive the sound is better after you turn it up to a certain level. The sound to me at low levels isnt as good as when I have it turned up to about 9 o'clock. My question is this:
Im thinking of getting a tube pre with adjustable gain for each input. If I set the the gain to 0 will I experience that same effect at low volumes or will I get evenly good sound at all volume levels?

Thanks for your help.

[dado5]

Invest in some less sensitive speakers if 9 o'clock is your max with a passive!!!


Seriously though, the tube pre would give an output impedance that is both low and constant relative to the passive and that may be an improvement in itself.

Now a variable gain pre as you describe would mean a voltage divider on each input in addition to the volume control. This arrangement will not achieve unity gain (as that requires a different circuit all together) and it may not be a good option sonically. 

Decware makes a unity gain tube pre.  This would be a good place to start