Pre to Power Attenuator Cable

[Bonang]

I find the available volume range on my 82 pre-amp (when feeding a 250 power amp) is quite small. I rarely listen above 8 o’clock.

I have seen ads, in hi-fi magazines, for attenuator (RCA) plugs that reduce the levels of input into a pre-amp.

I am wondering has anyone tried a similar idea by putting an attenuator in the lead between the pre-amp (DIN) and the power-amp (XLR). If so, does anyone know of a brand that sells such cables.

[Bart]

1. I’m sure it’s working as intended.
2. Discussing non-Naim approved mods like this aren’t permitted on the Forum.

[sound-hound]

Perhaps one further thought, in addition to @Bart’s comment.
Description of your system, which isn’t on you profile, will gain perhaps some useful pointers from others with similar systems.

[Richard.Dane]

Generally, attenuators should be avoided if at all possible, particularly between the pre-amp and the power amp, and especially where the pre and power are carefully matched such as with a Naim pre/power. If you wish to attenuate the incoming signal from the source then by all means do so, although there is usually a small performance penalty.

[Bonang]

Thanks Richard.
I just thought it might be better to introduce attenuation at the pre/power interface rather than the input because the signal is stronger there.
Anyway, following your advice I won’t pursue this idea.

[ChrisG]

I have Rothwell source attenuators on the output from my Oppo 205 universal player into a Naim82 and could tell no difference other than level reduction with or without them, works for me.

[n-lot]

I would expect attenuation to make the most sense later in the chain as any distortion will otherwise get amplified further. So add it to the speaker cables? Or am I missing something?

[sktn77a]

@n-lot

So add it to the speaker cables?

Not a generally good idea to add resistance to the speaker cable.