Tweakers' Asylum

Volume control

75.163.255.45

throwback

I have a tube preamp with a 100KOhm audio taper volume control that I need to replace. Might as well get a real good one, eh? Any suggestions? Any caveats?
Thanks.

Follow Ups:

RE: Volume control - Dmannnnn 04:04:15 02/26/10 (1)
DACT and Goldpoint both make good products and they both use Elna switches. The Goldpoint runs about $150 and the DACT closer to $175. Personally I have built several stepped attenuators and I much prefer a 'ladder style' attenuator over a series attenuator. Both the DACT and Goldpoint are series attenuators.

Ladder style attenuators switch two resitors for each step. There will always be only 2 resistors in the signal path. Series attenutors can have a large string of resistors and solder joints in the signal path depending on the listening level. Usually more resistors at lower listening levels.

Here is a link to a ladder style built in Poland.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1271974708&/Silver-Attenuator---Passive-Pr

At the bottom I included a link to an ebay item. I have not bought one of these, but I have built an almost identical piece using the same switch. I have had it for over 1 1/2 years and the switch is holding up very well. The attenuator I built sounds much better in my system than the DACT I had been using and it only cost about $40. If one of these will fit in your system I don't think you will be disappointed. I think you will be very surprised at the improvement.

If you want to try building your own attenuator send me an email.
- stepped attenuator (Open in New Window)
- RE: Volume control - throwback 09:31:33 02/26/10 (0)
  Thanks, Dmannnnn,
  I just ordered one.
Size - Mike B. 15:31:17 02/25/10 (0)
Most of the discrete resistor controls are larger. The DACT is built on the smaller elna switch. This might or might not be something to check.

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