Any meaningful differences...


Between using a Alps Blue velvet volume pot vs stepped attenuator with resistors?
kw6

Showing 1 response by terry9

To some extent, it depends on the resistors you choose. I use nude Vishays (VAR series) in all my controls, and I never use a ladder - prefer one resistor for each value step of the control. Rotary switch by Seiden SG. Makes the total pricey - 20x the price - but worth it on first class gear, like my DIY phono/pre.

But - I suspect that almost any rotary switch and almost any set of decent resistors will surpass the garden variety volume control in transparency and warmth i.e. lack of distortion. But be aware that there are those who don't believe that resistors make a difference. Even experts.

I suggest that you try it out - find the volume that you usually use, and determine the associated resistance - and install several types of resistor of that value in a rotary switch. Then make an informed choice.

I did that experiment with a Seiden SG, and found Vishay VAR to be best for me.