Things to consider and a possible solution

Posted by Barry (A) on February 21, 2022 at 11:20:57

In Reply to: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? posted by Chuck on February 19, 2022 at 06:55:29:

I have built two very high quality stepped attenuators from scratch (not fun) so have some experience with this, as well as have made hundreds of resistor upgrades. Getting it installed is the easy part.

All attenuators, and all resistors, have a sonic signature. Since the volume control is in the signal path, it has a big impact on sound. Since most manufacturers voice their products, the volume control is part of that process. A more transparent or different sounding volume control may not be an improvement. You may really like it, or not. Unfortunately, the only way to know is to try it. I'd give it some break-in time before you reach any conclusions.

As noted, a 24-step control is a big step jump. I've tried it, and it would drive me nuts. Only way to get around that is to find one with more steps that still fits the allotted space. They'll be more expensive.

There is one carbon pot from Precision Electronic Components that is really very nice sounding, well made, and not too expensive (see link below). This is the same pot Nelson Pass uses in his XVR-1 electronic crossovers. The small downside is you'll have to replace it if it ever goes bad (a long time) because it's sealed and can't be cleaned. Since it's not stepped, you won't have volume jump issues. Not sure how easy stereo ones are to find.

Good Luck!!

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/so-i-did-try-all- (Open in New Window)

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - Chuck 06:55:29 02/19/22 (18)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - pictureguy 19:42:25 03/19/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - Craiger56 15:06:31 03/19/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - sisterray 05:22:36 02/24/22 (1)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - airtime 06:08:59 02/24/22 (0)

Want to replace the ALPS pot on my Cary too... - Rocket_Powered 13:40:53 02/22/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - escape2cfc 13:33:09 02/21/22 (1)

will do! (nt) - Chuck 05:35:08 02/22/22 (0)

Things to consider and a possible solution - Barry 02/21/2211:20:57 02/21/22 (3)

RE: Things to consider and a possible solution - RGA 23:42:19 03/4/22 (0)

RE: Things to consider and a possible solution - Barry 11:57:47 02/21/22 (1)

thanks for this detailed information & your insights (nt) - Chuck 05:33:33 02/22/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - bouncy ball 08:57:10 02/21/22 (1)

thanks for this info (nt) - Chuck 05:34:25 02/22/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - Steve. 20:26:50 02/20/22 (0)

You need.. - Ozzie 14:22:35 02/20/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - Chuck 17:45:09 02/19/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator ? - bare 15:55:08 02/19/22 (0)

RE: stepped attenuator in a Don Allen pre? - airtime 08:42:35 02/19/22 (0)

Follow Ups

Things to consider and a possible solution - Barry 02/21/2211:20:57 02/21/22 (3)

RE: Things to consider and a possible solution - RGA 23:42:19 03/4/22 (0)

RE: Things to consider and a possible solution - Barry 11:57:47 02/21/22 (1)

thanks for this detailed information & your insights (nt) - Chuck 05:33:33 02/22/22 (0)

Things to consider and a possible solution

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