Attenuator step sizes in the usable listening range

[rick57]

Hi

Don’t know the best forum to post this in, but trying here first:

Deciding the steps in an attenuator, there is a trade-off between small steps eg 1 and 2 db; and less overall attenuation, esp for late night listening.

(note I will probably have 24 steps, so can make the steps below the listening range, quite large).

If you have used attenuators with 1/ 2 / 3 dB steps (I could well on commercial gear, but I don’t know what there steps are), in the * usable listening range * say 80 – 95 dB - what size step do you recommend?

Thanks

[Francec]

This may help;

http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~nroberts/shunt.html

[AndrewT]

Hi,
you can increase step size above as well as below your normal listening range.
Go further, omit the steps above the loudest you will ever need.

Buy a cheap pot and wire it in temporarily.
Listen to some (a lot?) music at three levels you like.
normal , quiet & loud.
Measure the pot at each of these settings and use these settings as your guide for the stepped attenuator.

[rick57]

Thanks guys

Francec

If that reflects steps which are useful/ sufficient, it is suggesting
- a range of 21 db (steps 10 – 17) which are 3 dB,
- and a range of 14 db (Steps 17 – 24) with steps of 2 dB.
That sounds very reasonable.


Andrew
> increase step size above as well as below your normal listening range

Yes, I will if it’s not in the usable listening range.

> Buy a cheap pot and wire it in temporarily.
Listen to some (a lot?) music at three levels you like.
normal , quiet & loud . . .

I think you are right - that’s the best way to get it right.

I didn’t say that I am very tempted by www.promitheusaudio.com/tvc.htm
I need to try to “hold my horses” until I know exactly where (or how much) to steer ‘em . .

Cheers