Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver)

The SYS is a simple passive preamp, but you already know that I assume because it's in the title and that's what you need, otherwise you wouldn't be reading about it. I needed something that could simply control the volume of my desktop audio speakers at work. Having recently purchased a Schiit Mjolnir original version to handle headphone amplification, I needed something to control the volume of my powered speakers because the Mjolnir is for balanced components only (tech support at Schiit said that XLR to RCA adapters would trip the internal protection circuit of the amp). This little beauty sits between the single ended outputs of my DAC and the subwoofer input of my desktop speakers, which then connect to the desktop satellites. The build quality is wonderful and it makes you wonder how they make any money selling it for so little based on the cabinet quality alone. Even if you could DIY a potentiometer or attenuator, source a simple circuit board, pick up a couple of knobs and three sets of RCAs, you couldn't get the cabinet nearly this nice to mount them for what would be left over. The fact that it is passive means no extra power cord to clutter the space and plug in to the power strip on the floor. So what does it do to the sound? Exactly nothing. Well actually less than nothing. It takes the high output voltage from the DAC and reduces it so the speakers can play at a normal volume. It also lets you choose between two sources so it's not just a volume control. That's what preamps are suppose to do aren't they? They allow one to select sources and control volume. So seriously, how does it sound? Fine. I mean I'm using it with a $200 pair of desktop speakers, hardly the instruments needed for critical component evaluation. I could take it home to see how it sounds in place of my 4 digit tube preamp I suppose, but why would I bother. Of course I have other options for controlling volume of music. The satellites themselves have a volume control, but they don't control the sub level and require me to fondle the back of the cabinet to locate the knob. Then I would have to reach down to find the correct knob on the sub to change its volume. That is a no go as it is very inconvenient and I would rather just set it and forget it on the speakers. Then of course I could use the computer to control volume. The problem there is that I never seem to be in the right window or app when I need it. Yeah I know one of the function keys will do it too, but I would rather reach up, twist a knob and go on about my business without having to think about it. And, God forbid I would need to mute the music quickly and end up pressing the wrong key. I'm not even going to mention non-variable output sources like a CD player, etc. nor will I address the whole issue of shaving digital bits by using the computer's digital volume control in this application. Bottom line, this is a great and cheap product that adds the convenience I wanted, sounds just fine and looks great on my desk without taking up much valuable real estate. This Schiit really doesn't stink!

I stumbled upon the sys when I was browsing schitt's website and found this little guy. I knew schitt was well respected in the headphone community but I didn't know they made other things too. I was always curious of trying a passive volume controller with my Harman Kardon hk770 dual-mono power amp but ones I found online were ridiculous prices. Then I found this piece of schitt haha. For 59 bucks this is a killer deal. Very well made, looks simple and nice and does its job. Can't really complain. I have it hooked up to my Harman Kardon hk770 dual-mono power amp and my source is my computer hooked using firewire to my echo audiofire 2 interface@4+dbu gain and sounds really, really good. Sounds more clean and straight forward to the signal. While this thing is amazing I have to mention this thing is actually not an actual "preamp"(cause It does no extra amplification to the signal)so if plan on using vinyl you will need an actual active preamp with a phono stage or separate pre phono stage. Other then that you'll be fine. Most digital sources will have enough voltage just about to drive most power amps well. Only digital sources that might struggle definitely driving your power amps would be mp3 players or ipods and so forth if you plan on using this for your power amps like me. Well, it does its job and I don't see myself ever going back to using active preamp. For the price this is a killer deal.

First: This feels like quality. All-metal, solid, stays put on its little rubber feet when one manipulates the controls. Nothing cheap-feeling about it. The volume control turns smoothly through its range, offering fine control, and the input selector button works fine. (It works gently: if didn't, your finger would push this small unit around on the table.) Second: I ordered this because the volume control on my 3-tube Transcendent pre-amp was getting fritzy at low volumes, and thought I would overcome that by putting variable resistor between preamp and power amp (a Hafler 110). But I noticed online remarks to the effect that some digital devices put out such strong signal that you really can use a passive attenuator as a "pre-amp." (No real need for scare quotes on "pre-amp," since attenuation IS amplification -- by negative dB.) Short form -- it works. This little $60 gizmotron replaces my $550 preamplifier. I feed the signal from my Cambridge Audio Sonata NP3 digital player through the SYS to the power amp. Result: sound, glorious sound, with all the oomph I could desire. I was essentially using my preamplifier for years as a fancy, power-sucking attenuator, though a nice one, and didn't know it. Now the signal path is simpler, the sound is stunningly pure, and my system has stopped sucking unnecessary electricity . . . what's not to love? Probably for some other signal sources and power amps, and certainly for handling a phonograph input, one will still need a powered preamp.

Great! Performed beautifully and looks good.

I bought this to have a volume control between my DAC (Schiit Modi 3) and speakers (Kanto YU4). How I set it up is I have the output from my dac split with RACAsplitter cables to go to my headphone amp (JDS Atom) and input 1 of the sys, then output from the sys to my speakers. While the Atom does have a preout that I could connect the speakers to, changing between speakers and headphones requires unplugging my headphones to do so. With the sys in place, I don't have to constantly unplug and plug in my headphones when changing between speakers and my headphones; something I do frequently. This also gives me separate volume knobs for the speakers and headphones, another feature I take advantage of frequently. Another, unexpected, feature I have, is that because the sys has two inputs, and there is no sound leakage between the two inputs, the input selector button effectively acts as a "mute" button for the speakers. I have the speakers connected to input 1, which is the pushed out button position. So pushing the button in acts as mute. I absolutely love this feature. In regards to sound quality, the sys is audibly transparent; it doesn't affect the sound at all, and like I said above, there is absolutely zero sound leakage between the two outputs. One minor complaint is that I don't like the small knob schiit uses, but luckily there's plenty of replacements knobs available that fit just fine. The ones I use are Taiss 20mm diameter x 15.5 height knurled aluminum knobs, ASIN B07FW3R2WB. I like the blue color, so those are the ones I use. ;-) The attach easily and have a much better feel than the stock knob. One slightly more annoying complaint is that it's difficult to tell if the output button is pushed in or out, which resulted in me having my headphones on while the speakers were still active. Not a big deal for me, but my wife isn't as nonchalant as I am about it, especially when she's watching TV. ;-) I fixed this by cutting a thin strip of vinyl to wrap around the base of the button so that it goes inside the sys body when the button is depressed. So if I see the strip, the speakers are active; if I don't, they're muted. But neither of those complaints are enough to dissuade me from purchase. The sys is an excellent passive preamp. Buy with confidence.

Does exactly what I need it to do switching between a turntable setup and an aux cable for my powered speakers that only has one RCA input. Worth the money for the excellent build quality from highly reputable company as Schiit makes great audio gear

I own a DacMINI from Centrance and recently put some speakers on my desk (Audioengine A2). Unfortunately, the DacMINI has a fixed line out. While Centrance is able to add a variable line out mod to the DAC, they told me it would cost $100 (plus shipping) to get it done. Furthermore, I would be without a DAC for some time. As an alternative I got this preamp to adjust the line out coming from my DAC. Best solution ever. The preamp doesn't produce any distortion or white-noise upon adjusting the volume AND it gives me the ability to have an input source. I actually have the option for 4 additional sources from the DacMINI as it is, so I use the 2nd line in option as a super duper convenient mute button. I don't have to bother with the turning down the volume knob and readjusting it. Yes, I'm that lazy. Yes, the Schiit SCH-13 Sys is that great of a product.

Have this inline to be able to switch between my phono and reel to reel. The knobs seem to be cheaply done and the casing has a different color appearance than the other Schiit items I have. Outside of that it does the trick.