[dohminator]

and why is it so valuable and expensive to have on amps.

 

[grancasa]

Its an attenuater ("volume control") that has clicks as you turn it. The volume chages in steps, not smoothly. Some people like them, some people don't.

 

[Anders]

The primary difference is that a stepped attenuator uses resistors instead of a potentiometer as in ordinary volume controls. There is one set of resistors for each step on the volume knob and this incurs high costs for parts and assembly.
There are also quality differences between potentiometers with prices from chep to quite expensive.
Potentiometers are said to cause a degradation of sound (don't ask me why) and the most radical solution is to have a stepped attenuator.

 

[JMT]

Here is a pic of some from DACT's page.

 

[dohminator]

Thanks for the info. That would explain what I need to know.

 

[grancasa]

Quote:

Originally posted by Anders . Potentiometers are said to cause a degradation of sound (don't ask me why) and the most radical solution is to have a stepped attenuator.

Actually, I believe one of the most radical pots is the Photo -tentiometr on the Melos. No moving parts at all. I don't really know how it works. Lextek should be getting his any day now, and he can let you know what he thinks.