Alps Stepped Attenuator

ultrachrome · 19th March 2004, 10:02 PM

This is quite a hot topic lately. I'm looking for resonably priced, high-performance stepped attenuators for BrianGT's chip amp as well as my built Foreplay and a future Grounded Grid build.

I stumbled across the 4X23alps at Triode Electronics. Anyone have any opinions on this item?

It seems to have four poles, so is this series or ladder?

Peter Daniel · 19th March 2004, 10:07 PM

If it includes little PC boards for mounting the resistors and ea. deck has only 7 pins for connecting those resistors (23 positions). Unless I'm missing somethingt, it may be a mono switch?

UncleNed · 23rd March 2004, 03:10 AM

Quote:

If it includes little PC boards for mounting the resistors and ea. deck has only 7 pins for connecting those resistors

The other pins are on the bottom side of the board where you can't see them,
that's where the second PC board solders to the switch.

With the PC boards provided you can make a stereo ladder attenuator,
but of course you skip the boards and wire it however you like.

ultrachrome · 30th March 2004, 12:45 AM

Just received this the other day. Here are some pics.

ultrachrome · 30th March 2004, 12:58 AM

Here's a pic of one of the mounted boards.

BrianGT · 30th March 2004, 01:21 AM

Quite interesting. I wonder how it compares to the Elma unit that I just picked up.

--
Brian

ultrachrome · 30th March 2004, 01:44 AM

Certainly not as pretty. I've been studying this thing for about a half hour, being very unfamiliar with attenuators and voltage dividing networks. But it appears to be a 23 position ladder just as Ned says.

It will require a two wire link to connect the grounds between both boards. Here's the other board which should make more sense. From top to bottom, the large pads should be in, out, ground, in, out, ground.

The far left pin connects to the wiper.

BrianGT · 30th March 2004, 01:52 AM

How does the switch feel? I am really happy with the feel of the Elma unit, as it feels much smoother than the other switches that I have (grayhill, electroswitch and the one in my asian attenuator).

--
Brian

ultrachrome · 30th March 2004, 02:11 AM

I wouldn't call it smooth. There's a little roughness felt through little plastic knob, stolen from my foreplay, as the ball slaps in and out of the holes. The holes have pretty sharp edges.

Might feel better with some more lube, wear and/or a heavier knob. Assuming it doesn't exhibit the problem you guys found with those blue attenuators you guys found in Asia, I could be happy with it.

BDP · 30th March 2004, 02:12 AM

The Elma switch not only feels good, but it will last. It's been 5 years on this preamp and its as quiet as it was new, very recommended.

19th March 2004, 10:02 PM	#1
ultrachrome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Puget Sound	Alps Stepped Attenuator This is quite a hot topic lately. I'm looking for resonably priced, high-performance stepped attenuators for BrianGT's chip amp as well as my built Foreplay and a future Grounded Grid build. I stumbled across the 4X23alps at Triode Electronics. Anyone have any opinions on this item? It seems to have four poles, so is this series or ladder?

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19th March 2004, 10:07 PM	#2
Peter Daniel diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada	If it includes little PC boards for mounting the resistors and ea. deck has only 7 pins for connecting those resistors (23 positions). Unless I'm missing somethingt, it may be a mono switch?

30th March 2004, 01:52 AM	#8
BrianGT diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: near Atlanta, GA	How does the switch feel? I am really happy with the feel of the Elma unit, as it feels much smoother than the other switches that I have (grayhill, electroswitch and the one in my asian attenuator). -- Brian

30th March 2004, 02:11 AM	#9
ultrachrome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Puget Sound	I wouldn't call it smooth. There's a little roughness felt through little plastic knob, stolen from my foreplay, as the ball slaps in and out of the holes. The holes have pretty sharp edges. Might feel better with some more lube, wear and/or a heavier knob. Assuming it doesn't exhibit the problem you guys found with those blue attenuators you guys found in Asia, I could be happy with it.

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