Stepped attenuator VS. Alps

[ktm]

Other than perfect channel balance, are there really any sonic benefits to
using a stepped attenuator instead of a standard pot like an Alps?

 

[pabbi1]

Yes - the signal path on attenuators is cleaner - you will get a little grit with the RK27. That said, I have and use both, though the attenuators are in the better amp.

 

[fran]

What he said!

Fran

 

[manaox2]

Any good value for the money buys out there now for stepped attenuators?

 

[fran]

Heres a few:

ebay link

Attenuator-24-Step-50K-A-Dale-resistor-Stereo

A a further search will give you kits that you make yourself for a few $$ less.

Don't forget the LDR type volume control too - SKA Audio and look for "optivol"

Fran

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

i don't know about stepped attenuators, but LDRs were brought up here a few days ago http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/new...ml#post3978163

 

[vcoheda]

still waiting for an amp that uses one of these - 128 steps.

Joshua Tree - A Twisted Log Attenuator

 

[pabbi1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif still waiting for an amp that uses one of these - 128 steps. Joshua Tree - A Twisted Log Attenuator

I have actually heard two amps at the January meet in Dallas with the Joshua Tree, and my next amp build will have one. One was a balanced Beta22, and the other a completely maxxed KGSS - both absolutely superb.

 

[Marzie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabbi1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have actually heard two amps at the January meet in Dallas with the Joshua Tree, and my next amp build will have one. One was a balanced Beta22, and the other a completely maxxed KGSS - both absolutely superb.

That looks interesting, one thing I like about it: No smd parts!

 

[Sovkiller]

We have also the RK40 and the RK50, that are better than the RK27, and IMO after having used a few of both worlds, those are honestly as good as any signal attenuator can be...

 

[manaox2]

Thanks fran for the links, those are good deals which I'm still considering.

I emailed Joshua tree about the attenuator availability and recieved notice that there will likely be an updated version released by the end of May. I'm getting an OPUS DAC anyway, so I guess I may be waiting.

This OptiVol is hard to get much info on, but the comparisons to the ALPS blue and price is keeping me intrigued.

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

diyAudio Forums - Lightspeed Attenuator a new passive preamp you just have to dig a little to find where the meat involving the OptiVol starts...you could start from the last page I suppose, but check out post #18 on the first page

 

[manaox2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkfloyd4ever /img/forum/go_quote.gif diyAudio Forums - Lightspeed Attenuator a new passive preamp you just have to dig a little to find where the meat involving the OptiVol starts...you could start from the last page I suppose

So yeah... I'm definitely intrigued. It uses LEDs for attenuation correct? Any worries about the balancing the channel volume with two of these on a balanced amp?

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabbi1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have actually heard two amps at the January meet in Dallas with the Joshua Tree, and my next amp build will have one. One was a balanced Beta22, and the other a completely maxxed KGSS - both absolutely superb.

nice.

i need to find people who own these things, so i can hear them too.

 

[pabbi1]

The balanced Beta22 is owned by swt61 (built by FierceFreak) and the KGSS is a completely out of control effort by Luvdunhill (Marc). If only he would stop futzing with Steve's Beta and get finished with his new KGBH design...