Perhaps a simple volume potentiometer could be used to adjust the overall volume output from the echo down a bit.

Like this one, its passive so no additional power input would be required. 

You could connect the Beolabs to a Core (which is what I have). I can control the volume using my phone or voice or the B&O app. Prior to the Core I tried an Apple AirPort Express and Bluesound Node and both worked equally well. I just preferred the DAC in the Core over the others. With a Core you can also use an Essence remote if you like.

I've used the Schiit passive preamp that was mentioned as an example of a solution. The problem with passive preamps is that they can also become a high frequency filter.  I did notice a minor impact on the higher frequencies at certain volume levels with the Schiit. Definitely not a deal breaker, but I would recommend an active preamp solution or the core for the Beolabs, as they're great speakers.

Very interesting to hear Bill, thanks for the first hand advice!

I know that some of Schiit's other products have seen mixed reviews.

Audio Science has taken to doing some relatively scientific reviews and as it so happens they did review the Sys (quite favorably) 

The simplest way to achieve it:

Fostex PC-1 black


Fostex PC-1 white
link

https://www.amazon.com/Koss-155954-VC20-Volume-Control/dp/B00001P4XH

also does the trick. I have a bunch of these as a "swiss army knife" solution for lots of problems like this. I originally bought one to use on airplanes with a VERY sensitive pair of in-ear earbuds that I owned about 20 years ago. I then got a second to put between my AirPort Express and a pair of BeoLab 3's back when the AirPort first hit the market...

Cheers
-g

Note that I'm assuming that this would go in front of the amplifier...

Cheers

-g 

paddycochrane wrote:

Hi All,

Need your advice on a very small but a little frustrating issue.

I have a wonderful pair of Beolab 5000’s connected to my Amazon Echo Input (now discontinued).

The Amazon Input gives me access to Spotify and Amazon Music in a very small and discreet package

It’s not a permanent setup but there is something very cool about having voice control on a pair of 20+ year old B&O’s and with practically no wires or external amps/preamps.

Anyway, I’m having one issue. The volume/gain is too loud! Even when I turn down all the volume settings available in the Amazon Input and also in the iPhone iOS, it’s still loud for quiet evening listening.

Since I’m not using any amp I don’t have any control over the volume of the beolabs.

Does anyone know of a clever way to have some control over the beolabs volume in this current setup configuration?

Cheers!

p.

 

Whilst the small device that Geoff suggested might be a good solution, when you use a pair of headphones, there might be a better option for you.

Since you are using an Alexa device, the Echo Link could do the job.

It is made for being paired to an existing voice controlled Alexa device and for receiving the audio from the Alexa device - it basicly is a preamp.

(Note! You can also connect an external device to that - vinyl or cd player - if you need that).

On a related note. Is it possible to connect a beolab or a transmitter 1 directly to a Sonos port og bluesound note?