[wdh777]

Thanks. I normally use medium gain with say an Ether C at 8-9pm volume setting. I just got a pair of LCD 4s that sound wonderful but find to drive them at a similar volume on tidal depending upon the recording I'm either on medium gain at say 12-1am on the volume knob or on high gain at 10-12pm on the volume knob. I haven't really used high gain before but with the LCD 4s it seems like it may be necessary.

 

[wdh777]

So the DACT has 23 volume settings? Does it click as you turn the volume knob or is it a smooth turn of the knob?

 

[nepherte]

So the DACT has 23 volume settings? Does it click as you turn the volume knob or is it a smooth turn of the knob?

It clicks.

 

[joseph69]

So the DACT has 23 volume settings? Does it click as you turn the volume knob or is it a smooth turn of the knob?

The DACT (Danish Audio ConnecT) attenuator has a series of resistors with detents (clicks) and I believe it is 24 steps on the GS-Xmk2.

 

[wdh777]

I would have expected a click when I turned the volume knob. I just got my unit a few days ago so still getting used to it but my volume knob is smoth when I turned it. I ordered the DACT so I thought that was odd. Maybe it is too subtle for me to feel? I'll try it again when I get home. Thanks

 

[bfreedma]

I would have expected a click when I turned the volume knob. I just got my unit a few days ago so still getting used to it but my volume knob is smoth when I turned it. I ordered the DACT so I thought that was odd. Maybe it is too subtle for me to feel? I'll try it again when I get home. Thanks

 
I have the DACT and the clicks would be impossible not to notice (as would be expected on a stepped attenuator). 

 

[Pale Rider]

I have the DACT and the clicks would be impossible not to notice (as would be expected on a stepped attenuator). 

+1

 

[wdh777]

+1

So I'm back home and I tried it again and the volume knob definitely does not click through.  It is a smooth continuous action.  I wonder if I was sent an Alpha vs DACT?   Maybe I'll try Justin.

 

[wdh777]

So one more question as I'm learning about this unit.  What does the preamp on/off switch do?  It seems that the power on button powers both units on and off and once on nothing happens when I toggle the preamp button on and off.  I'm using the XLR in and balanced output.  Thanks

 

[wdh777]

 
So I'm back home and I tried it again and the volume knob definitely does not click through.  It is a smooth continuous action.  I wonder if I was sent an Alpha vs DACT?   Maybe I'll try Justin.

Oh, boy.  I just noticed that the box it was sent in was marked Alpha so I suspect I was sent the wrong one.  Do you guys think it is worth returning it for the DACT one that I had originally ordered?  My sense is that most prefer the DACT and going forward the DACT will be more standard?  After such a long wait it's a bummer to possibly need to return it.

 

[Failed Engineer]

There is not even the slightest hint of channel imbalance using iems like the JH13 with my Alpha.  I listen at lower volumes so I appreciate being able to dial in my volume more precisely than a DACT.  Personally, I'd keep the Alpha and ask Justin for the partial refund for the price delta.

 

[wdh777]

  There is not even the slightest hint of channel imbalance using iems like the JH13 with my Alpha.  I listen at lower volumes so I appreciate being able to dial in my volume more precisely than a DACT.  Personally, I'd keep the Alpha and ask Justin for the partial refund for the price delta.

The question is running LCD-4s with high gain will I notice it.  I'm probably going to swap it out....

 

[Failed Engineer]

 
The question is running LCD-4s with high gain will I notice it.  I'm probably going to swap it out....

If anything, you will notice it at low volumes.  At high volumes, choice of pot almost doesn't matter.  But ultimately, it's your satisfaction with the amp, and when spending this amount of money, you should be completely happy with what you purchased.

 

[wink]

Stick with the Alpha pot.
 
Especially if you find the volume steps in a DACT is just too coarse.   

 

[cooperpwc]

I am very happy with the volume steps on the DACT at medium gain with the balanced HD800. But I expect that I would be happy with the Alpha too.

For me it is medium gain balanced HD800, and low gain for preamp as recommended by Justin.