Nobsound Mini Fully Balanced Passive Preamp HiFi Pre-Amplifier XLR/RCA Volume Controller (Black)

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 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.

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!

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.