TISBURY AUDIO
• 14 Day Returns
• 2 Year Warranty
If out of stock, please click "watch this item". We usually add new stock every couple of weeks.
A simple line controller with audiophile acclaimed sound quality. Use it to control volume, switch between multiple sources, connect multiple amps, control active speakers or add outputs for a subwoofer, headphone amp or just about any line-level device.
SMD Stepped Attenuator
Key to the excellent sound quality is the stepped attenuator, which utilises an array of thin film SMD resistors to provide precise, stepped volume control and excellent channel balance at all levels.
New Look, More Inputs and Outputs
Our second generation preamp now has 3 inputs, 2 configurable outputs and a laser engraved walnut + aluminium enclosure. The chassis is longer, more substantial and remains stable with heavy cables.
Selectable Fixed Attenuation
A new feature is the selectable attenuation, which allows you to reduce the signal by a fixed -10 dB or -20 dB. If your system has too much gain and you can't turn the volume dial past 12 o'clock without hearing damage, this setting will help.
Configurable Outputs
Output 1 is the primary output and its level is set by the volume control. Output 2 can be configured (by switches on the base) as either an additional primary output, or as a 'tape loop', to bypass the volume control and loop out to another device.
Made in England
Our products are designed, made and tested entirely in house in our Wiltshire workshop for true British quality hi-fi.
Review: HiFi Pig
"So transparent is the Tisbury that it has very little influence that I can detect in my system."Read the full review on hifipig.com
Watch the review on 
Review: HiFi Zine
"For modest or minimalist systems, the Mini Passive is a no–brainer; versatile, compact, low cost and aurally unobtrusive."Read the full review on hifizine.com
Review: AV Revolution
"In audio, sometimes less can actually mean more... The Tisbury Audio Mini Passive II is one of those rare things."Read the full review on avrev.com
Review: Wall of Sound
"Priced very reasonably. It can enhance the experience or usability of most any system. Give it a try!"Read the full review on wallofsound.ca
Testimonial
I have been a hi-fi audiophile for 40 years and worked in the retail side of hi-fi for 25 years. In all my time I have not heard such a good pre amp as this. Everything else seems to put a veil over the sound and lack the incredible detail of the Tisbury and depth detail. I previously had a Luxman class A amp and now have a Meridian 502 pre and 556 power amp. The Tisbury works great with the 556 amp and there is plenty of gain.Thanks for a great product which is exceptional value and superbly built.
Regards
Ian
Testimonial
In a word: Awesome. Swapping over the old preamp with yours I was immediately presented (confronted?) with a soundstage where all the musicians were delightfully placed in their correct position and the dynamic range of their output was a joy to hear. Your preamp opened a wide window where the fine detail of the music came through in a simply stunning manner, uncoloured - perfect in fact.Thanks also for the money back offer. I'm sorry to say wild horses could not drag me away from your baby preamp.
Thanks for the most enjoyable experience.
Edward
| Enclosure |
Handmade American black walnut facia and anodised aluminium body, laser engraved markings. |
| Attenuator |
1% tolerance thin film SMD resistors, ±0.25 dB channel balance at all levels, gold plated contacts. 2-3 dB per step. |
| Size D x W x H | 150mm x 105mm x 60mm |
| Shipping weight: | 0.6kg, 20cm x 15cm x 10cm |
| Input Impedance | 10 kOhms |
| Output Impedance (at full volume) | 0 Ohms |
| Fixed Attenuation | 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB. Set by switches on base. |
| Power Supply | None (it's passive!) |
| Number of Inputs | 3 x RCA |
| Number of Outputs | 2 x RCA |
| Output 1 | Variable - level set by volume control. |
| Output 2 | Variable or Loop modes, set by switches on base. |
| Output 2 - Variable |
Level set by volume control along with Output 1. Provides a second main output for connecting another amplifier, active subwoofer etc. |
| Output 2 - Loop |
Often called a 'tape loop'. Bypasses the volume control. Use this to loop out to a headphone amp or other device without adjusting the volume. |
Mini Passive Preamp:User Manual [PDF 88 KB]
The Mini Passive Preamp is fundamentally a high quality volume control and input selector in a box. It has no power supply or active components inside, resulting in some of the most transparent sound quality around for a fraction of the price of its active counterparts.
Why should I be using one?
Most modern sources have more than enough output voltage to drive an amplifier directly, and pairing with an active preamp can often result in too much gain, high noise and loss of sound quality. In this situation, a 'passive' can offer the most elegant solution. It's also small, cheap, good looking, and has a very high WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor).
Will my system work?
As a passive preamp has no gain, your source must have sufficient output voltage to drive your amp to full power (known as the 'input sensitivity'). Digital sources (CD player, DAC etc.) will generally work perfectly. Vinyl gear comes in a much wider variety, so it gets its own answer below.
I have a turntable. Will my system work?
You'll need a seperate phono stage, preferably with multiple gain settings so you can pick the setting that works best with your amp. If your phono stage doesn't have adjustable gain then we can check compatibility to make sure you'll get enough volume. Just let us know the make and model of your cartridge, phono stage, and amp and we should be able to find the rest.
Does it matter what cables I use?
No, you can safely use most cables up to 5-10 meters in length without any problems.
Do I need to worry about impedances?
No. While some passives do require careful impedance matching, the Mini preamp does not suffer from this issue, even when driving multiple amps at the same time. This is because the type of attenuator used has an output impedance of 0 ohms at full volume, meaning it becomes a straight-through connection.
What type of attenuators do you use?
Our SMD stepped attenuators use a 'series' configuration, meaning they use a track of resistors connected in series and the volume is varied by moving the output up and down the track. This mimics a standard potentiometer and is ideal for audio. They typically have long life, low operation noise, extremely high sound quality, and fairly consistent impedance throughout their range.
Click here for our returns policy.
2 Year Warranty
The Mini Passive Preamp is covered by a 2 year limited warranty on parts and labour. If you get any problems with your item in this time, we'll repair or replace it at no cost, subject to our warranty policy.Click here for warranty details.