Volume control resistance question? Step Attenuator?

[manp111]

I have a DHT preamp. It has a 100k ohm volume pot and I have to turn the volume almost all the way up when listening.

Can this be corrected with a lower resistance value volume control? If so, what value should I get, 50K, 25K, 10K?

I also want to replace the pot with a step attenuator.

[wakibaki]

The short answer is no. Replacing the volume pot with a lower value pot will only worsen the situation.

Basically you haven't got enough gain in the system (insufficient voltage) or you have insufficient power driving the speakers. This is odd. Most modern sources (CD players, MP3 players) have ample output voltages, and you have a preamp anyway, which is intended to provide some signal amplification from e.g. a magnetic cartridge to drive a power amplifier.

Tell us what is in the rest of the system, from source to speakers.

w

[tomchr]

I second waki's short answer. Changing the volume control pot will not improve the situation.

A 47~100 kOhm pot should be fine for a volume control.

~Tom

[Mr. Triatic]

Waki´s right, worth to note is that a 100k pot and mr. Miller can throw a unwanted party and affect your amplifiers frequency response, you are better off with a 50k pot.

Still, if your amp is designed with a 100k pot i suggest you stick with that value and solve your gainproblem maybe with a preamplifier.