2. amps-preamps
  3. 1310264293

Adding Placette for finer volume adjustment?

I cannot get a small-enough volume gradations from the Dact 23-Step attenuator on my (tubed) preamp. I was thinking of trying a Placette passive between the preamp and my power amp. (There is a lot of gain going on with my EMM cdp, a lot with the XLR outputs, less with the SE ones, so I am usually limited to the 1st 4 steps on the attenuator.)

I don't want to muddy-up the sound.

I tried some well-regarded attenuators thingys that attach to the RCA jacks, which did give me decent gradations, but made the sound muddy and veiled, so I gave up on those.

I *LOVE* the sound of the tubed preamp I am using, but I may have to give up on it and just get another preamp so solve this attenuation problem. Oh well...

Thanks.
rgs92

Showing 2 responses by detredwings

detredwings
162 posts
 
Although not 100 steps the hificollective sells the Glasshouse Seiden 43 step attenuator (0.5W version) As a kit or fully assembled and Michael Percy Audio sells the Shallco 45 position kit. You would need someone to build it. They are both somewhat expensive but should give you what you want? There may be more sources for attenuators with more steps but I don't know them.

Also you could find out about attenuation at your amp end?

I built my own shunt style 24 step attenuators and made the steps very close together in the range where I listen to music. I know that everyone doesn't have the technical background to do that but you may find someone near you that could do it?
detredwings
162 posts
 
I don't think another preamp is a very good idea. Why not just add a little attenuation on the input of the preamp "voltage divider". Say 6db to start with.

That would be adding just two resistors on each channel. I don't know the preamp you are using but it may mean just changing the value of two resistors already there. Use good quality resistors and you should be fine.
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