line stage attenuation options

marc brown · 2nd February 2009, 03:40 PM

I'm building a B1 buffer with the modification of using an LDR-based attenuator in lieu of a traditional potentiometer. To get the input impedance back up to around 30k, I'd like to insert some quality resistors like Vishay or Caddock and I wanted to get some sort of consensus on what type of resistor is best in that application and which manufacturer might sound best. In this situation are thin film, thick film, wire wound, etc best? What sort of wattage rating do I need? Should these be sinked to deal with the inevitable heat?

thanks in advance,
Marc

hifimaker · 2nd February 2009, 07:10 PM

In my experience, the lowest noise and most neutral resistors are the Vishay/Dale RN55D or RN60D. They are not ROHS compliant, but this is not an issue for DIY'ers. They offer performance way beyond their cost. 1/8 to 1/4 watt is all that's required for RNxxD's in a buffer/preamp attenuator. These resistors have a very underrated power rating. If in doubt, on power rating then go with the 1/4 watt.

Check www.mouser.com for prices.

-David

marc brown · 3rd February 2009, 01:37 PM

Awesome. Thanks for the tip!

johnYks · 3rd February 2009, 01:49 PM

Hello Marc Brown

Peter Daniel has covered this topic extensively
on this thread:

diyAudio Forums diyAudio Forums > Top >Amplifiers >Chip Amps >In search of a perfect attenuator

In search of a perfect attenuator

Yours Sincerely
John

2nd February 2009, 03:40 PM	#1
marc brown diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	line stage attenuation options I'm building a B1 buffer with the modification of using an LDR-based attenuator in lieu of a traditional potentiometer. To get the input impedance back up to around 30k, I'd like to insert some quality resistors like Vishay or Caddock and I wanted to get some sort of consensus on what type of resistor is best in that application and which manufacturer might sound best. In this situation are thin film, thick film, wire wound, etc best? What sort of wattage rating do I need? Should these be sinked to deal with the inevitable heat? thanks in advance, Marc

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2nd February 2009, 07:10 PM	#2
hifimaker diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose	In my experience, the lowest noise and most neutral resistors are the Vishay/Dale RN55D or RN60D. They are not ROHS compliant, but this is not an issue for DIY'ers. They offer performance way beyond their cost. 1/8 to 1/4 watt is all that's required for RNxxD's in a buffer/preamp attenuator. These resistors have a very underrated power rating. If in doubt, on power rating then go with the 1/4 watt. Check www.mouser.com for prices. -David

3rd February 2009, 01:37 PM	#3
marc brown diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	Awesome. Thanks for the tip!

3rd February 2009, 01:49 PM	#4
johnYks diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	Hello Marc Brown Peter Daniel has covered this topic extensively on this thread: diyAudio Forums diyAudio Forums > Top >Amplifiers >Chip Amps >In search of a perfect attenuator In search of a perfect attenuator Yours Sincerely John

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