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Parasound's Hint 6's new volume control provides huge sonic advances?

Promotional language for the (relatively) new HINT 6 says this: "New Burr-Brown Volume Control:
The Parasound HINT 6 is packed full of technical advancements. The new, upgraded volume control replaces the original model's motorized potentiometer and sliding mechanical contacts with a Burr-Brown electronically controlled analog resistor ladder volume control. Technical advancements in the new volume control offer a more distinct sound stage by increasing the dynamic range, lowering the noise floor, improving left-right separation and maintaining absolute left-right channel tracking at any volume level."

I'm not a skeptic, but am trying to learn.

QUESTION: How does a volume control affect so many elements important to the sound?

I almost never look to the details of how an amplifier's volume control is designed. Is it this important?
128x128hilde45
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,284 posts
 
So seems like if soundstage and imaging remain solid at various volumes (and no noticeable noise when adjusting), the volume control is doing its job well.

The biggest problem with conventional potentiometers I have observed over the year is that they accumulate deposits over time that require cleaning to continue to work well.  The easy fix is to just exercise the knob periodically with power off to help remove deposits but eventually cleaning is required.

Can’t speak to the reliability of other types other than to say the technology used in marquee gear these days seems to have tackled the problem pretty well in general. Have not had issues with volume controls in quite a while (knock on wood...).
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
The biggest problem with conventional potentiometers I have observed over the year is that they accumulate deposits over time that require cleaning to continue to work well. The easy fix is to just exercise the knob periodically with power off to help remove deposits but eventually cleaning is required.
It really depends on pot technology and circuit topology. Some circuits are pot eaters. Same pot in another circuit will last a lifetime and longer.

The incorrect cleaner can destroy a pot faster than you can say Jack Robinson.


georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
wolf_garcia
The 128 step relay switched volume control in my Schiit Freya is great, it preserves an accurate channel balance, and you’re never stuck in the "one click more too much, one less not enough" zone. The pleasant clicking sound it makes reminds you that it’s there.

Hey Wolf, you can get the whole thing 256 step passive in bal or se from this guy.
And if you search eBay you can just get the kit form without chassis as well.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Finished-Relay-Volume-controller-Balanced-Potentiometer-Balanced-preamp/...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Balanced-remote-volume-controller-RCA-XLR-Motor-potentiometer-preamp-C7-...

He's got it all, a real player.
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.html?_odkw=Passive+preamp&_ssn=along1986090&_osacat=0&_fro...

Cheers George
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,277 posts
 
The Lightspeed Attenuator, made by George, was probably the best volume control I have had in my system.  It was also the longest on going thread back in the day.  Im not sure why it isn’t still talked about and used by some of you.

The belles aria integrated also uses a burr brown volume control.  In essence, isn’t the volume control the only job of the preamp?  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The Lightspeed Attenuator, made by George, was probably the best volume control I have had in my system.
Thanks for the rap.

 
Im not sure why it isn’t still talked about and used by some of you
Haven't sent one out of Australia since the start of Covid Feb, we shut down with the "Covid thing" very early with imported/exports parts to make them with, and with the export of the final product.
I still won't send one OS as the last one took 4mts to get to the new owner in the US, he was happy in the end but quite upset during the delay.

Cheers George     
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