2. amps-preamps
  3. 1164997504

Placette 100K volume control, problem solved

I'm now controlling my digital via a laptop, but it is a pain without remote volume when jumping from song to song since the volume varies so much from album to album. I wanted to add a remote volume control and having heard the Placette before it was at the top of my list. My system has plenty of gain so I really don't need an active stage. Up to this point I was using an Alps pot at the input of my DIY amp to control volume.

My problem was my phono stage has a high output impedance (about 3.5K) so the stock Placette wouldn't work with it's relatively low input impedance. They built a unit for me that has 100K input impedance and it is truly wonderful. A small price premium since the larger resistors are more expensive but well worth it.

The first thing I noticed was how much quieter the system is with no music playing. Then when it does start there is greater transparency and flow than with the Alps pot. I struggle a bit when trying to describe the sound of things, but suffice it to say that this RVC sounds like nothing. I've tried various pots, transformer controls which added noise, and the stock Placette which choked the life out of my phono stage due to it's low input impedance. This unit is perfect for my system.

Forget what you’ve heard about poor dynamics and the other knocks on passives. These things are true if the passive isn’t properly matched to your system, but I’ve got dynamics that will make you jump out of your seat. If you want to try a passive contact Placette. Great people to work with. Highly recommended.
herman

Showing 1 response by getheleadout

getheleadout
144 posts
 
I'm using my Placette RVC with Channel Islands D200s Driving Klipsch La Scalas. I ordered my D200 with the active pre configuration, becuase I was running an active at the time.

When I ordered my Placette, I asked Guy if I should send the D200s back to Dusty to raise the input impedence to re-configuring them to run with a passive. Guy insisted that with my set up that I keep the D200s set up for an active.

Guy was correct. This combination sounds amazingly good. I also run 15 feet (total) of DH Labs Air Matrix cables to the D200s and sub with no loss whatsover! I've experimented with shorter runs to confirm this.

Some things I've concluded are:

Guy has the answers concerning his pres. If you're trying to conclude anything to do with compatibility or set up and not consulting Guy, I'd say your making a huge mistake.

Also, Placette passives are so different than all other passive pres, that the usual passive shortcomings don't apply.

Finally, that system synergy and compatability mean quite a bit. IMHO, an optimally applied Placette passive, is as close to not adding or taking away ANYTHING from the signal fed it, as you can get.


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