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 nanotweeter

Drubin -
Please explain what you mean by "doesn't seen to be completely happy with either of my sources". I have been switching between a balanced PLC Sonic Euphoria and balanced Placette RVC and my NuForce Ref9s for over 6 months now to get a good feel for each passive's strengths and weaknesses. Both work extremely well in my system with no issues whatsoever. But I am only using a SACD player as the source. What sources are you using?