Attenuator recommendations

Placette RVC

If you go to www.goldpt.com you will find on page two very detailed explanations about the pros and cons of the resistor types series, ladder stepped and shunt attenuators.In my opinion the ladder stepped type[although more expensive would be the choice]you then get to choose the value and type of resistor also the make of switch.[Vishay and Shallco for me] You could always think about variable transformer tapped types also there are two basic types the auto transformer type such as the sonic euphoria and the switched output tap types like the silver rock and the bent audio there is a massive range of choices and all affect the sound.Among the nicest guys selling all choices of attenuators are Kevin Carter of K+K audio and John Chapman of Bent audio either of these guys will put you on the right track.

It occurs to me that all you need is resistors in male/female adaptors. How's your soldering? You might start with 3 KOhm and see if that works. To give you an idea of the rating, P=V^2/R, so 1 watt would be more than enough. If you can find Vishay at 1% tolerance, you're cookin'. You can't get more direct than that without cutting into the IC's.

RCA requires only one resistor on the positive (inner). XLR needs two. If I'm remembering correctly, (it's been a while) terminals 2 and 3 are hot while 1 is ground.

Why don`t you try passive preamp? TVC is the most recent design and it seems that most owners prefer it at any prize.

You dont need an active preamp, you are not using a Turntable so no need for phono or diferent sources switching, just CD direct to amps has enough gain. Sell your active preamp and go passive EVS like Tvad said use a low impedance of 1k will probably match better with your Pass amps with low input impedance. You can also try Placette RVC email or call Guy at Placette and ask about it, Both have 30 day money refund if you dont like it...they have smoked the best preamps out there given the right installation!