Nobsound High Precision Passive Preamp Volume Controller VOL Control HiFi Preamplifier ALPS (Upgrade Version)

This passive volume control dramatically improved the sound from my desktop DAC at low volumes.It might seem counterintuitive or even nonsense that a passive component could improve the sound of a system, but the key thing to understand is that my DAC only has a digital volume control, and the sound quality degrades at low volumes. With this passive volume control I can leave the DAC's digital volume cranked up where it produces its best sound, then use this very high-quality analog volume control to pad the volume down to whatever level I want while listening.Second benefit is that I now have very fine-grained, continuously adjustable control to set the volume exactly where I want it; the DAC's digital volume is in discrete steps, and at lower volumes it was often too loud at one setting and too low at the next.Third, the construction and the components in this passive volume control are the top of the line. It's just a stereo potentiometer connected to some RCA jacks, but the pot is the best you can buy anywhere, and the audio jacks are top quality. The minimalist design is a good thing if all you want is a volume control - there's no unnecessary components to degrade the sound. All housed in a heavy duty and well made, attractive metal case. I'm using this control with my computer DAC, but it would fit right in with even the highest end systems.Finally, the smoothness and tactile feel of turning this quality volume knob is pure joy and intuitive, compared to clicking the volume buttons on the DAC.Highly recommended and worth the price if you care about quality.

I really don't leave many reviews but since i'm on adderall and finally got my speakers working again, I'm really excited to share. This volume knob works incredibly well with my system.Mac --> ODAC --> Nobsound VOL --> Schiit Vidar(1) --> Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1sPrior to this nobsound vol control I was using a Schiit Asgard 2 Headphone Preamp. It sounded pretty good as well but the volume control was noisy and you can hear clicks and distortion in the speakers as you're turning the knob. The nobsound also seems to have a wider soundstage compared to my Asgard 2. I was worried that going with a passive preamp would sacrifice some gain but that is not the case. In fact I can turn the volume louder while getting less distortion than compared to the Asgard.There's a review stating that they experienced some issues where the volume knob wasn't linear with the audio gain. Like they noticed the gain jumping significantly from only slightly turning the knob. I was worried I'd run into the same issue but that hasn't been my experience. The knob feels very solid and the gain does seem pretty linear to me.5/5 stars. I couldn't be happier. I also now have something small enough to set on my desktop.

I give this the highest marks for quality of parts and construction. This is a top of the line sealed stereo Japanese made Alps stereo potentiometer with a satin smooth feel. It is housed in an attractive extruded aluminum case with two pairs of very high grade RCA jacks, as inputs and outputs Nothing is really better than this for a volume control as a minimalist "preramp" between your DAC or other line level source, and your power amps. I use the 50k ohm version to control the volume of my stereo. This pot goes between the DAC, (or any line level source) and a stereo amp or powered speakers. It is a, perfect, very high quality volume control that is linear, smooth silent, and totally transparent. It adds nothing to the signal, no noise or distortion, but simply varies resistance to the line level signal.....Less is more.

Had high hopes for this product. Enough optimism that I sent for a 2nd one when I didn't get the results out of the first one.High points... it looks great. Fells well made. Takes up little spaceLow points... While its described as passive. I guess thats true...it doesnt need power to run. But... is is passive audibly? No. The volume is NOT linear. Its either loud, medium, or no sound. But..the worst part is that as it reduces the volume... it changes the sound. The lower Hz (bass) disappears, then the midrange, even the highs start to disappear as you lower in volume... and it narrows down to something that sounds like AM radio. It is a volume control...but not one that is useful. Its not pleasant to listen to at anything other than full volume. Hopefully they can find a way to fix this product... as I think they nailed its physical characteristics.

Works great. Sound good.

Bought to tame a subwoofer in my living without a level control. Has an odd volume curve where the first half of the pots range does nothing. Outside of that it does the job.

I searched for a while, trying to find something to keep me from being sonically assaulted (again) like I was when I was finished initially hooking those up (it was bad, really really bad... I didn't walk straight for a week). After a couple of mistakes (without the subs hooked up) I found this... have I mentioned the Knob? No? Really? The Knob is... sort of relaxing, soothing even... so smooth, so large, so firm... so very accurate in it's volume control... This took my 2.0 system, the extra RCA's on my other selector to turn it into a 2.2 system, with 12inch subs, WITHOUT me requiring medical treatment and years of therapy, to provide me with music therapy that shakes my coccyx, but in a totally good way.