Nice looking compact desktop pre-amp?

[SpatiallyAware]

I want to be able to control my sub and powered speakers via a preamp on my desk. I know I can probably find a cheap receiver, but it would look completely out of place.

Tips?



Thanks!

 

[NutBucket]

Uh, the pre-amp is going to cost more than any receiver. They're kinda pricey.

 

[Howard]

I built mine. How handy are you?

 

[s44]

As nice as it would be for Denon or Onkyo to offer a 2.1-optimized pre or receiver with Audyssey, nice DACs, and pre-outs at a smaller size and price, it's not going to happen.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I built mine. How handy are you?

Fairly handy, I'm already thinking about a nice SS knob with aluminum backplate... Hmmm, I have a machinist friend who could set me up with something nice...


I've seen small pre-amps that do this though, I was expecting maybe $150-$200.. All it really needs is 2 analog inputs (PC and Ext), and volume controllable analog outputs (for powered speakers and sub)

 

[Howard]

All I did for mine was use a buffered pot. One audio in, one audio out. I had the same problem with trying to control the volume of my separately-amped satellites and sub simultaneously, so I decided to use a dual-channel pot, but without a buffer the frequency response would change, so I simply added a small power supply and buffered it. Shouldn't cost more than about $30-$40 in parts if you're good with a soldering iron.

Oh, I also integrated a CMoy with a crossfeed just for kicks.