[Wodgy]

Nice new item from Uncle Ned at Triode Electronics:
http://store.yahoo.com/triodeel/4pol24posals.html

It's a stepped attenuator made by Alps, but with circuit boards for the resistors, making assembling the stepped attenuator a lot less of a pain in the butt. For only $19.95 each (without resistors), it's not that much more expensive than buying a standard Alps Blue.

 

[brianl]

Speaking of attenuators, has anyone use the Bourns 3541 series
precision 10-turn potentiometers for volume controls. They are
a bit awkward at 10-turns, but that's only a minor inconvenience.

I recall that Dick Marsh (?) mentioned the similar (but not hybrid)
Spectrol pot in Audio Amateur years ago.

bel

 

[jnewman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianl Speaking of attenuators, has anyone use the Bourns 3541 series precision 10-turn potentiometers for volume controls. They are a bit awkward at 10-turns, but that's only a minor inconvenience. I recall that Dick Marsh (?) mentioned the similar (but not hybrid) Spectrol pot in Audio Amateur years ago. bel

Those are linear taper not log (audio) taper - it would get really loud really fast and then not really change the volume. One turn of ten would get you to about 2/3 full volume.

 

[Edwood]

Woah. that's really cheap!

Looks good start for a beginner. I'm going to have to try this one.
I just ordered one.

Thanks for the head's up, Wodgy.

Any recommendations for brand of resistors?

-Ed

 

[amisdad]

I would have to suggest HOLCO resistors for an attenuator. Has anybody ever used Caddocks? I wonder? That would cost a few thousand dollars.

 

[was ist los?]

How about tantalums.

 

[Wodgy]

The standard recommendation is Vishay metal films, easily available from Mouser and others. Some people feel that Beyschlag / BC Components metal films are "better", but as far as I know DigiKey recently discontinued stocking them. Any modern metal films are going to be fairly neutral anyway.

If you're looking for a more vintage (warmer) sound, generic carbon films are a good choice. They're also cheap. Stay away from old-style carbons because of the noise.

 

[flecom]

anyone got suggestions on what 23 values would be ideal?

 

[Garbz]

there are quite a few value calculators around the net. And if not places like THLAudio actually provide values given the desired attenuator value.

I.e. 50k attenuator stereo pack will supply 46 Holco 1/2watt resistors for 24posn attenuators @ $690NT each (check the excahnge rate before u shout murder)

EDIT NOT $690 EACH

 

[Juergen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbz ..... $690NT each (check the excahnge rate before u shout murder)

Live mid-market rates as of 2004.10.15 23:19:16 GMT.
690.00 TWD Taiwan New Dollars = 20.4051 USD United States Dollars

 

[Garbz]

woops, that's a total price not a price per resistor. lol

I'd be kicking and screaming if i had to pay $20 each for 46

 

[MisterX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flecom anyone got suggestions on what 23 values would be ideal?

Ideal for what?
50k?

 

[flecom]

ya 50k

but i guess that page answered my question

 

[MisterX]

I got a pair of these today.....
they are kinda nice except for the leads were all bent which made installing the little boards A PITA on the first one.
I took the countersink to the holes in the boards and it made it much easier to assemble the second one
I will have one in an amp in a day or so and will let you know how well it works.

 

[Edwood]

Mine just shipped. Will get it sometime next week, I hope.

-Ed