[Ellen]

Have any of you compared the ALPS RK12 series pots now available at Mouser to the similar Panasonic EVJs? Is this a six of one-half a dozen of the other type choice or is one superior?

 

[stereth]

The EVJs have bushings. They look nearly identical. I've seen the Alps RK12 referred to as an EVJ-clone. For the price, they're both pretty good; for DIY amps, I'd go with the EVJ. Unless you're going to board-mount the pot, you need a bushing.

I did a quick analysis here of the RK12 I got from Mouser. It looks pretty good except at the high and low ends. The EVJ does the same thing - one channel fades out at low volumes. Build with a realistic gain and it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[tangent]

Another advantage of the Panasonic is that it isn't as structurally dependent on those large mounting lugs. You can cut one or both off of a Panasonic and it will be okay, but try that with the ALPS and it will fall apart.

 

[guzzler]

what's the tracking like on the Alps version, anyone?

g

 

[stereth]

guzzler, check the link I posted above. And check the thread here for another discussion.