Mini Fully-Balanced/Single-Ended Passive Preamp; Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier; XLR/RCA Volume Controller for Active Monitor Speakers (Black)

I bought the Xduoo MT-604 hybrid amp, which has separate volume controls for right and left ears (annoying). Furthermore, the volume ramp up on this amp was SO FAST for each knob. THEN I hooked up my new Hifiman EF400 as a DAC, which seemed to overdrive and distort the inputs on the MT-604. My Focal Clear and Spirit Torino Radiante sounded too sharp/abrasive. This wee volume knob solved ALL of these problems. I can raise the volume on the hybrid amp way higher (probably getting more out of the amp), and I can control the volume with ONE knob. In addition, the output from the Hifiman DAC no longer runs hot into the amp, so the distortion is gone. IN ADDITION (big suprise), my formerly sharp Focal Clears and Radiante both sound well-tuned and easy to listen to. They sound fantastic now on the same hybrid amp. So, for me, I'm overjoyed by this product. That said, I'm not sure whether an impedance "issue" with this knob may be changing the sound signature of the output in ways that may be problematic for other users, or whether simply tempering the hot DAC output and cranking the amp "balanced" the headphone sound. So there may be a problem lurking for others with different gear, but for my situation I am extremely pleased. Everything sounds and feels excellent. No issues in my very short time with it. The price and value are fantastic relative to most alternatives. I very highly recommend at least trying this product if you have a similar need.

Remember this is just a volume knob that can switch from RCA to XLR on inputs and outputs. That is it. All and everythign it does... I'm using it to control volume and switch between the Pre-amp in my Cambridge DAC (XLR in) and the Pre-amp on my turntable (RCA in) before going to my Crown XLS 1502 Amp (XLR out). There is no noticeable noise or anything added at high volume, to my ears anyways, which can't hear most mid-range anymore but are extremely tuned to very quiet high and low frequency according to my hearing tests at work. Volume knob is super smooth, but sturdy. Switching between XLR an RCA is tactile and firm, and should last as long as you don't sit and play with it. The box is small, but dense. The quality should honestly be good enough for most "audiophiles" even.

Since I play music from my laptop to DAC, when I went from an integrated stereo to dual ZA3s (mono mode) I had to use my laptop's Windows sys tray for volume control - that got old fast. So I bought this passive preamp and it does the job with no fuss. The volume knob is weighty and smooth when adjusting and the device, as a whole, looks and feels much more premium than its price indicates. My intention was to use it temporarily while I saved for a more expensive preamp but I really like this little thing. It's added a little something in a good way to the sound that I can't quite put my finger on but whatever it is I like it. So, for now, it's apart of my base setup that I have no intentions of replacing it in the near future.

Well, after 12 month of using I got the crackling noise in the volume knob :(

I use this control knob for my speakers attached to my record player. Without it, I have to adjust the output on the back of each speaker (annoying). Now I can use a single volume controller to conveniently and evenly adjust the volume of both speakers together. This device does not require a power source. The device is housed in a metal body and feels solid and durable. The volume output controll is well spaced and increases or decreases evenly with the turn of the knob

Just some tidbit on what I wanted to use it for - I have a Yamaha rn803 but decided to get a parasound external power amp but the Yamaha rn803 does not have variable preamp section but it does have 2 line outs- to connect to the parasound - I needed to be able to control the volume so I bought this Nobsound. I am powering a JBL 4312G control monitor. The Nobsound came in a box indicating it as LIttle Bear. Further research revealed that there is a little bear version of a volume control - the Nobsound one is a upgraded version with a better “Alps” volume control hence the 20 dollars price difference (nob at 60, little bear at 40). This volume controller is passive it does not require electricity it will not boost the signal nor color it in anyway. It looked very well built - metal case prob Aluminum- and it also came with little rubber bumps for the bottom of the volume controller- I hooked it up to test it before before u actually applied it to my intended application and it does work. I hooked it up to my Yamaha rn803 line out to this using single ended RCA (this also can connect balanced connectors) and then to my parasound power amp - I made sure to turn down the sound before turning on my power amp to keep from a nasty noisy surprise when I turn in the power amp. I turned my system on and turned the Nobsound volume up but the volume was low so I continued to turn it up but until it went no further but still it sounded very low. Adding this passive controller I think lowered the audio line out signal. So unfortunately this Nobsound didn’t work for my application- it may work for a powered speaker I’m not sure. I had a Schiit Vali headphone amp that also can be used as preamp with volume control - it has both normal and high gain - I didn’t not have to use high gain and it worked fairly well but my schiit developed a buzz a while back and I didn’t use it as a long term solution. Anyway I ended up getting a Yamaha wxc-50 preamp although I didn’t want to get an actual preamp. It works but just not for my application.

Shortly after I got this[about 3 weeks] the right output started to get unstable. Sometimes it would be much softer than the left side and sometimes it would just turn off completely. This was happening on both xlr and rca outputs. Really found exactly what I needed with this product, and I love the aesthetic - unfortunately the quality was not up to par.

Great price and perfect for my application. I wanted to switch between my subs and headphone amp from the XLR connectors on my DAC/preamp. This little unit does the trick perfectly. I can't hear any sonic degradation, even through my Hafler HA15 headphone amp and Grado GH4 headphones. It also gave me one level controller for my dual subs, which are in opposite corners of the room. Nicely built unit and well thought out.

I needed an all passive volume knob with XLR in and out, and this fits the bill perfectly. Doesn't seem to color the sound noticeably, and works just fine. I'm running a standalone USB DAC to a Marantz 5 channel Power amp. Since the power amp has no volume control, this fit the bill. This item is definitely a niche product for a very uncommon setup. Make sure this is what you need!

Installed between a audio mixer and powered monitors in seconds. Does exactly what it<s supposed to do. Client happy.

I wanted to run my digital audio sources through a Cambridge DAC to my power amplifier but needed a volume attenuator between the DAC and the amp (ADCOM GFA-535). This small device worked perfectly to give me control of the volume. The pot works very smoothly and provides an excellent range of control. The only negative comment I have is in regard to the button toggles for selecting RCA or XLR input/output. They work fine but are very small and somewhat difficult to push. Overall, a well made and very useful device at a reasonable price that doesn't appear to add coloration to the audio signal. I would have paid more for a version with remote control of the volume though.

Well made solid little unit, does exactly what it's supposed to do while audibly invisible.