Stereophile's 2019 Amplification Component of the Year

Did I every mentioned that Wayne once designed a superb discrete transistor
volume control? We applied for a patent, and the years when by, and when
Wayne inquired as to the status, the patent was immediately denied, apparently
out of spite by the examiner.

Another reason why I gave up on the patent office years ago....
 
Did I every mentioned that Wayne once designed a superb discrete transistor
volume control? We applied for a patent, and the years when by, and when
Wayne inquired as to the status, the patent was immediately denied, apparently
out of spite by the examiner.

Another reason why I gave up on the patent office years ago....

Is that a 2-stage shunt attenuator? If I can count 6 steps followed bv 10 steps.
 
Here is the schematic for the X1 volume control. 32 step balanced shunt.
It was similar to a RF attenuator circuit but used less parts and less supply voltage. Transistors have built in base resistors. It worked well at the time and certainly sold well.
I still remember the patent examiner asking how I got his phone number.
His assistant was appalled at the time delay and connected me.
 

Attachments

And all the power amps as well.

Wayne, how many years have we been working together? 30?

:cheers:


Thirty years this year Nelson.

These products are a group effort. Sometimes the basic design seems like the easy part. Refining it is the time consuming part.


And 3 months, 4 days, and 45 mins... But who's counting? 😉


We are lucky and fortunate to have you both interested in helping revitalize the DIY community!