Audiosector LM3875 - Volume Control / Preamp options

[batdan]

Hi all,

I have built this kit successfully and have used an ALPS 50k log pot, however the music sounds "restrained" on playback.

But, if I use the preamp section of my receiver (Yamaha RXV1900) and turn the pot all the way up on my LM3875's I get the sound I am wanting. My source is a Gigawork DAC.

So, what is the best way to move forward? Will changing the ALPS out for something else be OK, or do I need a preamp? Is my ALPS at 50K to high? How do I calculate the correct value? If the preamp route is the way to go, can anyone point me in the direction of a suitable kit?

Thanks,
Dan

[zebra100]

The 50K Dual Log Alps Blue with a 47K metal film shunt resistor should be perfect for your LM3875. I use that configuration to great effect in my Audiosector LM3875 premium kit.

[jonners]

Dan -

If you post your question in the appropriate thread in the Audio Sector Vendor Forum you will likely get some advice from Peter D. himself. I think he recommends a pot in the 10-20k range.

[zebra100]

Here is the schematic of my passive attenuator. It is a dual input/dual output. It also contains a single ended class A MOSFET headphone amplifier. I use a CDP direct into the pre as my primary source. I have a tuner as my second source, and although the output voltage is less than the CDP, it still sounds very good (imo).

I tried 20k and 100k before I settled on the 50k/47k shunt option. In my opinion, it gives the most natural presentation.

[AndrewT]

Hi,
wire the volume control correctly and remove the added series resistors.

[batdan]

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Hi,
wire the volume control correctly and remove the added series resistors.

Andrew - Not sure what you mean by this post? Can you be more specific. My ALPS pot is wired on the input, no added resistors.

Zebra - so adding a 47K resistor on my inputs is all I would need to try?

Will also put a post in the Audiosector forum

Thanks,
Dan

[AndrewT]

My comment was referring to Zebra's pic, the preceding post.

[zebra100]

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Hi,
wire the volume control correctly and remove the added series resistors.

I actually prefer it in the shunted configuration. I tried it with the pot wired correctly, and the volume got very loud, very quickly. Despite the loudness, it also sounded quite lifeless and dull.

Regards,

Chris.

[zebra100]

Originally Posted by batdan

Zebra - so adding a 47K resistor on my inputs is all I would need to try?

It's worth a try. The 2 resistors cost me about £0.25GBP.

Regards,

Chris.

[Leglandu]

Originally Posted by batdan

Zebra - so adding a 47K resistor on my inputs is all I would need to try?

Adding resistors at the entry is right if you dont forget to also modify the configuration of the pot as per the Zebra100 schematic : the pot output is not at the variable pin (pot wiring detail)

I tried this setting on my own Audiosector LM3875 amp and found the sound to be a little bit clearer than with standard alps pot, particularly at low volumes.

Now, there is a negative side : to work fine, pot and resistance must have about the same value, so even at full level this is a divider where you lose half of the sensitivity of the amplifier...