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Basic questions on building a passive attenuator

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Bear with me here.

What I want to do is build a simple attenuator with a selection switch for 3 or 4 different sources, 1 having balanced outs, the others single-ended. The amp will most likely be a Bryston 3BST, 5BST, or Blue Circle BC22, all of which can deal with balanced or single-ended.
The attenuator I'm thinking of is the DACT CT1 or CT2. I want only a single vol control, so for balanced inputs on this thing, I'd need to get the 4-deck CT1, right? Or the 6-deck CT2? What are the differences between the CT1 and CT2 attenuators besides physical dimensions?
If I go with all balanced inputs on this "preamp," would there be any problem connecting unbalanced sources (provided I get the connections right)?
The input selector I'm thinking of getting is the CT3. Looks straight-forward, but I have some related questions I'll get to in a minute.
Alright, on the CT1 or CT2, each deck has 3 pins sticking out from the side. What's the best way to make the connections? Solder directly to the pins? Is there some kind of connector that's supposed to be used?
On that 4-deck CT1, I assume one would use decks 1 and 2 for channel 1, and decks 3 and 4 for channel 2. Doesn't really matter, does it? DACT's website has a nice little diagram on the pinouts and what goes where, but what's the best way to physically connect the grounds?
How should one physically connect the 1Mohm resistor that DACT recommends connected between the click-house and ground on the CT1,2 & 3?
Finally, what material should, or can, the chassis be made of? I was toying witht the idea of reinforcing an old wooden cigar box and using that if I could. Any recommendations?

Thanks for any and all help!


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Topic - Basic questions on building a passive attenuator - dingo 14:56:47 01/07/01 (2)


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