Salas,
Did Tony's balanced DCG3 subjectively perform better than what you would expect a SE similar quality build in his system?
nash
I would expect this one to come across somewhat better because it has direct interface compatibility advantage to his XLR sources and his XLR input power amp over a tentative similar build quality SE version.
It also has a theoretical advantage, although it uses as much PSU as a typical SE DCG3 build due to lack of room in a single chassis, it sees that PSU as common mode respectively to the opposing signal phases. So it should be even more indifferent to its power supply.
It also has a theoretical advantage, although it uses as much PSU as a typical SE DCG3 build due to lack of room in a single chassis, it sees that PSU as common mode respectively to the opposing signal phases. So it should be even more indifferent to its power supply.
After extended listening I'd say, for the cost of the build, it's superb. The highlight for me is the soundstage. Instruments are accurately placed and with good definition in the space.
I'd say against the pre in my Perreaux there are 2 items which don't quite make the grade and I think they are related. Resolution and a top end graininess - both of which I suspect are a result of the Alps Blue pot I'm using.
I've read good things about the Acoustic Dimension 42 step attenuator's but they are only available in 10k or 100k - I'm guessing neither of these is really suitable?
Other options are TKD 2CP-2500 standard pot as it's available as 25k or a Khozmo 48 step attenuator available in 20k shunt or 25k series.
10k series pot value could promote edginess in this preamp as its bandwidth opens even wider with it.
Are impressions the same from different source components, or by the streamer alone? How many playing hours did it clock on the sound system by now? Alps Blue is no Khozmo indeed but the PSU capacitors better see few working hours firstly nonetheless.
For shunt vs series attn also read an old diyA thread: Shunt Attenuator Myth
Are impressions the same from different source components, or by the streamer alone? How many playing hours did it clock on the sound system by now? Alps Blue is no Khozmo indeed but the PSU capacitors better see few working hours firstly nonetheless.
For shunt vs series attn also read an old diyA thread: Shunt Attenuator Myth
It's component dependent, since the drawback of shunt type is the variable input resistance, if you have a low output impedance source, that wouldn't matter much. Ladder is theoretically best but it's double the cost.
The other thing to have in mind is that 25K type is not available in every type of these mechanically switched attenuators so you might as well make a compromise
Then there are relay-based, LDR-base, Chip-based solutions out there. But to my experience none make a night and day difference and DCG3 is still enjoyable with all of them.
More important is the power supply. Just my 2 cents
The other thing to have in mind is that 25K type is not available in every type of these mechanically switched attenuators so you might as well make a compromise
Then there are relay-based, LDR-base, Chip-based solutions out there. But to my experience none make a night and day difference and DCG3 is still enjoyable with all of them.
More important is the power supply. Just my 2 cents
There's yet another catch with shunt attennuators for DCG3 though. Their output impedance never goes below their single series resistor. So its always more than a series attenuator of same nominal value. Since AttnZo shapes this preamp's bandwidth more than in other cases there will be different bandwidth vs series and that must be taken into account.
From that old thread I linked a page before:
From that old thread I linked a page before:
To put it in other words, a 10k readily available shunt attenuator shapes this preamp's bandwidth and rise time the same way as a 40k series attenuator would.
P.S.
The ladder type equivalent to a 20k series for AttnZo is 10k nominal. It also loads with nearly steady input impedance the source equipment.
P.S.
The ladder type equivalent to a 20k series for AttnZo is 10k nominal. It also loads with nearly steady input impedance the source equipment.
You are welcome. Don't forget to show us your build in the end
Well . . . , you know, it's not the destination, it's the journey
Salas, would something like this work? Valab 23 Step Ladder Type Attenuator Potentiometer 10K Log Stereo | eBay