PAS-02

About the PAS-02

The Audio Synthesis PAS-02 is a compact, passive preamplifier made in England, designed to provide precise volume control and source selection with minimal signal degradation. It features two brass control knobs on the front panel: one for selecting among three input sources plus a mute position, and the other for attenuation in 31 discrete steps ranging from -60 dB to unity gain. The unit uses high-quality Vishay resistors for attenuation and silver internal wiring to maintain signal purity. On the rear panel, it includes high-quality WBT RCA connectors for three inputs, one output to the amplifier, and a direct input that bypasses the selector for improved sound quality at the cost of source flexibility. Audio Synthesis recommends keeping cable runs under two meters and total capacitance below 300 pF to avoid treble roll-off. The PAS-02 is praised for its minimalist design, excellent build quality, and transparent sound, making it a favored choice among audiophiles seeking a passive volume control solution without active gain stages.