Why no remote controlled discrete resistor volume?


I don't get it. It seems that Alps have the remote volume control market cornered. My understanding is that, in general, discrete resistor volume controls (stepped attenuators or relay activated resistors as used by NAT, AN Kits and others) are thought to provide the best sonics (detail, clarity, precision, etc.), followed by potentiometers and then chip controls. If this is true, why have none of the discrete resistor gang (Goldpoint, DACT, Seiden, TKD, etc.) come up with a direct competitor (or drop-in replacement) to the basic Alps remote motorized conductive plastic potentiometer volume control that can be purchased (motor and all) for about $35? These things show up in some highly reviewed preamps with prices approaching $10K and above. It just seems to me there should be better sonic options for remote controlled volume on preamps costing several thousand dollars and up. Why is it so hard to motorize a stepped attenuator? Just curious.
mitch2

Showing 2 responses by nikki

Mitch2,
Gilbert's VC is big and barely fits in my pre which is over 14" deep. He had to install a little cap on the end so that the end of the motor could stick out a little past the chassis. He may be able to make it a little shorter, but you would need to ask him.

It works really well and is a no compromise remote VC using Shallco attenuators. It requires quite a bit of torque and virtually impossible to turn by hand.