10k stereo potentiometer recommendation please

[audiogeekess]

I want to try a 10k pot with my preamp to see if it sounds better than the 20k I have now. I need a recommendation for a stereo 10k pot.

I can spend up to $50 for it, if it sounds better than the less expensive ones.

[data]

If you can stretch the budget a little, I would try this one 10K 24 steps Attenuator Potentiometer Takman REX25 0.5% | eBay
The Takman resistors are very good and the pot is a series step type (I think)

[AmpliFire]

Or this one

[data]

AmpliFire, that's a very cheap but very good pot, for the price

May have to try one of those in something, sheeh, at that price why not

[theAnonymous1]

I have a couple of those attenuators from lasercollection. No problems with them so far.

I see the new version has a metal shield around the center (mine don't). Price went up a bit as well; they were only 10USD + 5USD postage when I bought them.

[AndrewT]

Buy a few ordinary quality fixed resistors. I have 600mW 1% 50ppm/C metal film from either Truohm or Vishay.

Build up a pair of 10k fixed ladder attenuators and build up a pair of 20k fixed ladder attenuators. Check that both give exact6ly the same attenuation and an acceptable SPL at your listening position.

Now compare the sound quality.

This will cost pence rather than £s
and you will be comparing the effect of attenuator impedance and not be distracted with possible type/manufacturer differences

[AmpliFire]

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Buy a few ordinary quality fixed resistors. I have 600mW 1% 50ppm/C metal film from either Truohm or Vishay.

Build up a pair of 10k fixed ladder attenuators and build up a pair of 20k fixed ladder attenuators. Check that both give exact6ly the same attenuation and an acceptable SPL at your listening position.

Indeed... and put them inside THIS BABY Garanteed no RFI problems....

DUH ! (I mean for the pot, not to Andrew)

Free delivery....

Oscar

[AndrewT]

With a bit of clever packaging I think you could get the whole pre-amp inside there. This baby then becomes the "equipment".

[data]

Originally Posted by AndrewT

Buy a few ordinary quality fixed resistors. I have 600mW 1% 50ppm/C metal film from either Truohm or Vishay.

Build up a pair of 10k fixed ladder attenuators and build up a pair of 20k fixed ladder attenuators. Check that both give exact6ly the same attenuation and an acceptable SPL at your listening position.

Now compare the sound quality.

This will cost pence rather than £s
and you will be comparing the effect of attenuator impedance and not be distracted with possible type/manufacturer differences

I'm a bit confused with that are you suggesting a shunt type?
Or just suggesting a level playing field to compare 10k to 20k pots?

[AmpliFire]

Ok, the thing which will probably the middle between anything is this nice ladder attenuator. He has a 10k version as well. Actually, lot of value for money ($27 aint much !)