Yes. Even if they're not perfect they're world class good - whether your stereo is or not. And you can a variety of values if you search for a minute. They aren't as rugged as more expensive ones, and don't have a ton of steps, but for like $12 they best anything under $150.
There's lots of other ones but any of them with blue bodies and cream colored ends are garbage despite if they use official RN resistors. The metal in them or something is bad - and you'll find people selling these for lots of money sometimes that are customized - problem being you can't polish that turd because the turd is inside the mechanism.
Thanks. I intend to try these. As new to the hobby, when searching I found surprisingly few solutions. It's difficult to sort through the junk coming from China and that seems to be the only thing out there.
I am now attempting to find a solution for an input selector and have a few in mind but I'm curious what your recommendation would be for a good quality 3 or 4 position 2 pole rotary switch.
DACT
I bought one of these as an experiment:
DACT Type SMD Stepped Attenuator 21 step volume control pot D Shape Shaft | eBay
I found that although the 1% SMD resistor network provided subjectively better imaging than an Alps RK27, the true logarithmic curve it has is not as useful as the specialized audio volume curve that Alps uses. Too little change per step in the first half of rotation and too much change per step in the second half. I also found that 21 steps is not enough with that curve. Might be OK if your source is a variable output DAC you can adjust to fine tune but it did not work for me with a fixed output CD source.
I bought one of these as an experiment:
DACT Type SMD Stepped Attenuator 21 step volume control pot D Shape Shaft | eBay
I found that although the 1% SMD resistor network provided subjectively better imaging than an Alps RK27, the true logarithmic curve it has is not as useful as the specialized audio volume curve that Alps uses. Too little change per step in the first half of rotation and too much change per step in the second half. I also found that 21 steps is not enough with that curve. Might be OK if your source is a variable output DAC you can adjust to fine tune but it did not work for me with a fixed output CD source.
I’m not saying it has a good curve. It doesn’t. But it’ll be a cold day in hell before I’ll trade off the superior sonics for better adjustment. If it’s too annoying you may need another value.
For a selector switch Glassware has one for three sources that is robust and not too expensive.
For a selector switch Glassware has one for three sources that is robust and not too expensive.
Destroyer or anyone, what is the "cost is no object" attenuation solution? In fact I wonder what Nelson uses in his First Watt or Pass Lab builds for Attenuators and Selector Switches. I may be sorry I'm asking this question.
Glassware was recommended by another person too but they aren't available right now. I guess I'll wait and keep checking. I also have a thick front panel on my B1K and there are no dimension on the Glassware. It may not work on a 3/4" front panel.
I also looked at these CKs A20315RNZQK C&K | Mouser and Lorin https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/10SM160 pieces. Any comments on those? At least the stem will be long enough.
Glassware was recommended by another person too but they aren't available right now. I guess I'll wait and keep checking. I also have a thick front panel on my B1K and there are no dimension on the Glassware. It may not work on a 3/4" front panel.
I also looked at these CKs A20315RNZQK C&K | Mouser and Lorin https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/10SM160 pieces. Any comments on those? At least the stem will be long enough.
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I haven’t tested all the “cost no object” ones. Goldpoint makes a nice finished volume+selector but price is around $400-600 depending in options. TVC transformers may be the ultimate, not sure who offers DIY versions right now (Slagle is great but no more DIY sales). You can find TVC preamps for sale, at least $800 used if not much more. DACT the true Danish company sells some on Parts Connexion that are nice. Khozmo has lots and lots of options, they’re beautiful but I haven’t tried them for sonic test. Tortuga sells neat kits but you have to accept LDR have a little extra capacitance so there is a mild amount of subjective quality on top of accuracy.
Not sure what Pass Labs high end uses, maybe relay to resistor networks controlled by Alps? Maybe chip controlled for remote? Firstwatt is Alps blue (I think suck), but that’s only this product, all amps are not integrated (no volume).
Not sure what Pass Labs high end uses, maybe relay to resistor networks controlled by Alps? Maybe chip controlled for remote? Firstwatt is Alps blue (I think suck), but that’s only this product, all amps are not integrated (no volume).
I use the bay DACT pots Destroyer OS mentioned and eBay ladder attenuators.
The cheap eBay DACT pots work well and feel nice. The big ladder attenuators sound good and feel terrible when turned. And take up a lot of space.
Muses 72320 would require the addition of a separate, bipolar supply in a Korg B1 build.
The cheap eBay DACT pots work well and feel nice. The big ladder attenuators sound good and feel terrible when turned. And take up a lot of space.
Muses 72320 would require the addition of a separate, bipolar supply in a Korg B1 build.
Stumbled across this recently that uses this chip
VCU | Hi-end Audio Modules | United States | Academy Audio Inc
Very good information everyone. I appreciate the continuing education on the hobby. All of the suggestions look good. Those that aren't $400-800! But I did ask for High End so good answer there too. The 72320 solution is very interesting. Khozmo looks like the easy to execute one and I'll also experiment with the DACT for fun. I can see additional trial and error in the near future with the B1K.
A5 Stereo Attenuator
Attenuators and Signal Selecters
Other potentiometers , switches alternative solutions
Attenuators and Signal Selecters
Other potentiometers , switches alternative solutions
Hey Mark. I was hoping to order the parts before the chassis arrived. I have not recieved it yet so I don't know the dimensions. I thought one of the folks who arranged the chassis might know these two dimensions right off the top of their head. In that case I would be able to do exactly what you suggessted.