How do I make a 2.1 setup with one volume control?

[GerGa]

Just like it says,  I am looking at putting together a 2.1 system for my computer.  If I go with active speakers, can I add a subwoofer and still have only ONE volume knob?  I heard that sometimes you can end up with a sub that has separate volume adjust.
 
thanks

 

[tofu]

do you want digital or analog control?
 
for the former, you can just adjust your source's volume (obviously).  if you want a physical knob, griffin makes one called the "powermate"
 
if you want analog vol adjustment, you'll need to buy a passive attenuator (sometimes called passive pre-amp)

 

[GerGa]

I'm talking a physical knob.  I guess it would be best to adjust in analog stage?
 

 

[buson160man]

  All you need is a dac/preamp like one of the peachtrees,emotivas or any other dac preamp on the market.I have a peachtree decco 2 and it works well with my airmotiv 5s.But if you want to use a subwoofer you need two preamp outs.Once you get the preamp you just level match by ear if that is the only way you can.You adjust the volume on the sub and or preamp if it has that feature till things sound right to you.Then leave it there and use the preamp volume knob to adjust the volume.
  It is abit of work but certainly nothing anyone can not handle.