In two previous intalls, and one I am working on now, I have a need to control more than two line level channels immediately before the power amps in a powered, active-crossover speaker system.

This is child's play when compared to designing a surround pre/pro.

The system will consist of a coax sp/dif source (LD player) feeding a Behringer DCX2496 and six channels of amplifers. Speakers are Vifa D series tweeter and mid dome, Peerless CSX bass.

The DCX2496 does not have an easily accessed ganged volume control on the output side. I want either the feel of a big knob turning or a pushbutton remote.

I'm about ready to build this part myself if I have to.

And of the two US distributors listed for their products, one doesn't list the 6-channel attenuator and the other shows a list price of $487.

Riiiiiight. For $487 (more like under $200) I'll figure out my own ganged passive attenuator. SMD resistors don't impress me.

Much more likely is six channels of high-quality op-amps, or even a used 7.1 receiver with pre-in/outs for the 7.1 channels. $500 for a ganged, manual, passive volume control isn't even in the same ballpark as what I'm talking about.