Noble,Alps,TKD ?

[lanchile]

I have seen many post about different sound with different potentiometers...Well next week I will get some TKD, Alps and Noble potentiometers from Partsconnexion.com to compare sound between those three brands. I have used Alps and Noble potentiometers before with excellent results, but I have never compare side by side... Will a TKD costing $100 outperform a $15 Alps or a $25 Noble?. Will just more expensive potentiometer sounds better than a cheaper one? Well all these questions and more I will know next week. 😉

 

[john dozier]

Try a TKD stepped attenuator. Its even more expensive, but IMHO the best there is. TKD has been a resistor manufacturer for many years, making many different type. Their attenuators use a type of resistor they have never offered to the general public, except in those device. Regards

 

[Pano]

I've used all three and really liked the TKD. For a sane budget, I use the Noble.

 

[lanchile]

Thanks John! I do not want to go over $100 for a potentiometer. once I got a stepped attenuator using 1% tolerance resistors, it was very closed matched between left and right channels but the sound was just ok, nothing special!!!.I did not like it too much because the steps were very tough (it was like an input selector but with 24 steps lol).

 

[john dozier]

Trust me! The TKDs are worth every penny-both in SQ and feel. Regards

 

[lanchile]

I ordered this one http://www.partsconnexion.com/tkd_64185.html.
I can't wait till next week lol!

 

[AKSA]

I have used TKD pots a couple of times in customer amps.

VERY expensive, but absolutely, incontrovertibly, the best there is. Stunning.......

Hugh

 

[lanchile]

wow...it looks like the TKD potentiometers are very good. Now I am even more into this "side by side" test. I saw in Partsconnexion that they have two series of TKD pots... 😕

 

[AKSA]

If you want cheaper, and still very good, the Goldpoint and DACT are good options.

Hugh

 

[ROCKMANDRAKE]

Transfixing pot

The very best ( to my opinion )

Penny & Giles

RF15 1/D/A


Rock

 

[john dozier]

I have used their linear faders, but never their rotary. I would surmise that they too are absolutely world class, and priced accordingly. At that price level I stil prefer the TKD stepped attenuator. Regards

 

[lanchile]

TKD potentiometer A+

ok, I try those potentiometers, Alps, Noble and TKD..

Alps: I would say is very flat and simple in the music.Nothing special

Noble: is more detail and it feels better build than Alps. it is a BIG step up from Alps.

TKD: it feels softer to the turns than Alps and Noble, Very well build, Completely sealed,Smaller than Alps and Noble, The sound is very detail (not that sharp that causes fatiguing to the ears) at the same time is smooth...it is a step up from Noble. This test showed me that a small things can make a big difference. I left the TKD in my diy amp!!!😉

From now on...I would not hesitate a bit to use TKD potentiometers. I strongly recommend TKD potentiometers to all of members here that are looking to a real "upgrade" to something better in quality and sound. Start from the potentiometer!!!

Question: is it really worth to spend the "extra" money on a TKD potentiometer instead a cheaper one?
Answer: short answer is YES!!!

#1 TKD 😀
#2 Noble 🙂
#3 ...... 😕
#4 Alps 😱

 

[john dozier]

If you have the money, you really should try the TKD stepped attentuator. Truly transparent. Regards

 

[lanchile]

If you have the money, you really should try the TKD stepped attentuator. Truly transparent. Regards

I really like the "smoothness" of the this TKD potentiometer when I turn the volume up and down. I do not like the feeling of the "steps" on a potentiometers, I do not like those "click,click click" sounds lol.

 

[john dozier]

Just as I prefer the positive repeatability of steps, especially when there are 41 of them. all as slick as greased (fill in your choice). Regards

 

[zibra]

Refreshing.
I have Alps RK09 now in my headamp. I also had Vishay Sfernice. Amp is little box and I cant buy any big potentiometers, I dont want to spend a lot of money for DACT, Shallco etc.
Knowing RK09 and Sfernice could you please suggest me any better 10k stereo volume potentiometer in small size? Are TKD or Noble pots better than these two? Any other idea?
Thanks.

 

[Coconuts 500]

I would assume that all potentiometers "sound" the same. I E nothing.

Does anyone have proof suggesting otherwise?

 

[cotdt]

I've tried TKD's but the stepped attenuators from Goldpoint sound better.

 

[cotdt]

I would assume that all potentiometers "sound" the same. I E nothing.

Does anyone have proof suggesting otherwise?

Try and see for yourself. Nobody is ever going to convince you one way or the other.

 

[jcx]

ratio tracking over large range of attenuation is bad enough to be audibe in cheaper Stereo/Quad ganged log pots

mechanical feel, wiper noise make differences when changing volume - much more of concern in a mixing desk I would think

but hands off, in a fixed position, not drity, worn - audible???