Nobsound NS-05P

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.

Does what it says. Passive design doesn't affect sound quality. Knob has smooth feel to it. There's no static when I turn the knob, but at lowest levels the stereo balance is uneven (between 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock positions). Can be used as a mechanical switchbox between balanced -> unbalanced or unbalanced -> balanced components. User selectable input (XLR or RCA). User selectable output (XLR or RCA). This was really nice when I didn't have the appropriate cables handy. And as other reviews mention, the XLR input locks are ... permanent. I cannot get the input XLR cables out again. It appears that the locks are mounted too close to the chassis; there's not enough space to fully release the cable latch. This isn't a big deal for me, but it is undoubtedly important to consider for some. I'm happy.

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

I've purchased 2 of these, and both of them suck at low levels. One speaker will completely cut out or be totally unbalanced. Works fine at higher levels, but worthless if I want to listen to music quietly. Clearly China garbage. I would pay maybe 10 bucks for it, but not 56. Trying the Radial SAT-2 Stereo Audio Attenuator https://www.amazon.com/Radial-Stereo-Attenuator-Monitor-Controller/dp/B0797ZCQDF/ I trust this will wok much better

This was the solution that I decides on to reduce output of CD player and DAC (RCA and XLR inputs), to my integrated amplifier and Bluetooth transmitter (RCA and XLR outputs). Before installing the device, my CD and DAC output was so too high for my amplifiers input, and anthing above 10:00 on the amplifier volume was much too loud. This device allows me to reduce the level so that my high quality amplifier can shine. Now I set the passive Nobsound volume control to 9 or 10:00, and can raise volume on my amplifier to 11 or 12:00, and it sounds much cleaner now, and less fatiguing to my ears. I think i am dealing with an impedance mismatch, and this device has solved the problem for me. Excellent build quality, quality volume control and switches, and at a very good price.

Having read many reviews before purchasing, I was wary of the warnings for XLR users concerning the jack not releasing the cables once inserted. I have reseated the cables several times, and, to my delight, there were no problems with releasing the cables from the jack. I was also glad to see that this unit did not require power. My setup (pictured) is simple. Record Player (AT-LP60X) > RCA > Nobsound Preamp > XLR > Speakers (KRK Rokit5). No problems; only crisp audio!

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!

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.

Thus has worked out perfectly! I used to have a headphone amp that I loved, but I sold it on. One of the reasons was that it had very high gain and was hard to use with very efficient headphones. I ended buying the same amp again as I missed the sound, with most headphones. However, this time I decided to buy a passive pre-amp. Now, vthis amp will work with ANY headphone. I set the headphone all to its ideal volume and adjust the actual volume with the pre-amp.

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.