---
product_id: 1520976
title: "Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver)"
brand: "schiit"
price: "€ 130.83"
currency: EUR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/1520976-schiit-sys-passive-preamp-volume-control-and-2-input-switch
store_origin: CY
region: Cyprus
---

# 2-input switch for seamless source toggling Passive design = zero distortion & no power needed Proudly designed & assembled in the USA Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver)

**Brand:** schiit
**Price:** € 130.83
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎛️ Simplify your audio setup with pure, passive precision.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver) by schiit
- **How much does it cost?** € 130.83 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.cy](https://www.desertcart.com.cy/products/1520976-schiit-sys-passive-preamp-volume-control-and-2-input-switch)

## Best For

- schiit enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted schiit brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Risk-Free Investment:** Backed by a 2-year warranty—double the industry standard for peace of mind.
- • **Compact & Premium Build:** Sleek metal chassis crafted minutes from Schiit's HQ for durability and style.
- • **Universal Compatibility:** Works flawlessly with DACs, phono preamps, headphone amps, and powered monitors.
- • **Effortless Source Switching:** Toggle between two line-level inputs without unplugging a thing.
- • **Pure Passive Volume Control:** No power, no distortion—just clean, uncolored sound at your fingertips.

## Overview

The Schiit SYS is a minimalist, passive preamp and 2-input switch designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking clean volume control without distortion or power requirements. Compatible with virtually any line-level source, it offers seamless switching and volume adjustment in a compact, USA-made metal chassis, backed by a 2-year warranty.

## Description

Sys is a simple, 2-input passive preamp. No electronics. No power. No distortion. Just a 2-way switch and a potentiometer.Huh? Why would you want such a thing? Well, if you've ever wanted to use one of our DACs with powered monitors, Sys puts the volume control right at hand. Same goes for using two sources with one of our headphone amps—use Sys to switch between a DAC and a phono preamp, for example. And, you don't have to use Sys with our gear at all. It's a simple, high-quality, passive preamp that works with pretty much any line-level source.Designed and Assembled in USA By “designed and assembled in USA" this is what we mean: the vast majority of the total production cost of SYS—chassis, boards, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. Our chassis are made minutes from our facility. Our PCBs are done just over the hill from us, or done in NorCal. You get the picture.2-Year Warranty SYS is covered by a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for two years. That’s 2x the warranty of most of the products in this price range.

Review: High quality product that solved my predicament. - 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!
Review: Very good piece of schitt. - 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.

## Features

- It's a 2-input passive preamp that adds no distortion, and gives you complete volume control.
- Works with pretty much any line-level source.
- It's just a 2-way switch and a volume knob. That's all.
- Designed and assembled in the USA from high quality components.
- For those times when you want to switch sources without unhooking one and rehooking up another. Hook them both up to SYS and have full control over which one you're listening to and at what volume.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00K6Q2A4C |
| Amplifier Type | Solid State |
| Best Sellers Rank | #99,102 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #60 in Audio Component Preamplifiers |
| Brand | Schiit |
| Built-In Media | SYS |
| Color | Silver |
| Compatible Devices | any line-level source audio devices, including DACs, phono preamps, headphone amps, and powered monitors Compatible Devices any line-level source audio devices, including DACs, phono preamps, headphone amps, and powered monitors See more |
| Connector Type | RCA |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 245 Reviews |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Item Height | 2.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Schiit |
| Material | Metal |
| Model Name | Sys |
| Output Channel Quantity | 2 |
| Power Source | Passive |
| UPC | 640265321399 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Schiit
- **Color:** Silver
- **Compatible Devices:** any line-level source audio devices, including DACs, phono preamps, headphone amps, and powered monitors
- **Material:** Metal
- **Item Weight:** 1 Pounds

## Images

![Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tqYiPKqzL.jpg)
![Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617d5do5UgL.jpg)
![Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716PjT+Dd3L.jpg)
![Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81zgA+hh63L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Do I plug this in after the DAC and before the AMP ? Tks a lot :D**
A: Yes, if you're using your computer as a source.The DAC is always the first stop out of the computer -via a USB.(i just read the 4 other responses to you and we all seem to be on the same page.)The thing works fine - like all Schiit (expletive deleted.)i just wish they would have made it able to accommodate a few more devicesEG: I have a computer, a radio tuner, a cd player and a tv. (4 items, nothing extravagant)So , i feed the 2 ' excess' items into the sys via 'y' type rca splitters.i just power off the device that's not in use. seems to work fine, ie, no damage to components.it works, but it's more rube goldberg than it needs to be.the ever-venerable valley churls, given their undisputed brilliance - should have factored in my OBVIOUS complaint before they before they put this thing on their menu.I'm completely sold on Schiit, or this would have been a one line response.later

**Q: My integrated amp uses 220volt/60hz  electricity, will this be compatible with that condition?**
A: Yes. The Sys uses no power. It's essentially a switch/ volume control, so the AC power of your amp should not matter. Hope this helps.

**Q: Will it work to increase the line input from an auxiliary source**
A: I don't think so. It's essentially a volume control, not an amplifier, so the maximum level is that of the input.Pretty handy, though.

**Q: will htis work with a turntable with built in phono pre amp?**
A: Yes, it will work with a preamp output. The volume control attenuates the output so you will need to connect this box up to an amp or powered speakers.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High quality product that solved my predicament.
*by S***N on January 26, 2016*

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!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good piece of schitt.
*by ~***~ on November 15, 2014*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Replaced my preamplifier
*by G***N on March 31, 2015*

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.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Schiit SYS Passive Preamp Volume Control and 2-Input Switch (Silver)
- Monoprice 1.5ft Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - Black
- CESS-075-6i Heavy Duty Waterproof RCA Cable, Phono Male to Male (6 in)

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*Product available on Desertcart Cyprus*
*Store origin: CY*
*Last updated: 2026-02-26*