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Which attenuators do I want to use?

I was using a set of Rothwell RCA 10dB in line attenuators between my Jolida CDP and my Classe DR-5 preamp. One broke. My interconnects are Virtual Dynamics Davids which are a bit heavy. I'm now looking at other options. Thought about a set of Rothwell XLR 10dB attenuators to put between the preamp and amp for attenuation of all signals to the Pass Labs X-250 amplifier. Then there's another option I found poking around online, which is a set of 10dB XLR balanced line level fixed audio attenuators from Rackmount-Devices.com. These go for half the cost of the Rothwells, but I don't know what quality they are.
I found that when I was using the CDP with the Rothwells, I could only turn the volume up to about 8:30-9:00 position. Any more and it got a bit loud. Would a set of 20dB attenuators get my volume control up into the 10:00-12:00 position where I can get the best performance out of my preamp? A set of 20dBs from Rackmount costs the same as a set of 10dBs, I believe.
I don't want to spend hundreds. Just had my hearing tested, and, again, there is a small loss. I'm 52 years old. I figure I'll be able to remove the attenuators as my hearing gets worse. I think I'll have to get my wife some earplugs when this time rolls around.
Thanks in advance for any and all input.
128x128abucktwoeighty
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abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
The CD player has a 47K ohm output impedance. I thought about using it for the CD player, but as you stated, there will be a mis-match, plus, it has XLR jacks, which will not work. RCA's there.

I'm still waiting for a reply from NHT.

In the meantime, I'm still searching for something work with the CD player that will attenuate around 20dB. I've given up on finding something that will work between the amp/pre. Like you said, my best bet there would be to get a different pre with less gain. That is not an option at this point in time, so I'll look for something like I was using earlier, like the Rothwells. If I can attenuate the CD player, I'll be happy.
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abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
After talking with John at NHT, they sent a return authorization number for a refund. Nice folks to deal with.

Will be trying something else in the near future.
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abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Their manual is in error as well.

I'm waiting for delivery of the CI passive controller which should work nicely between the CDP and preamp. It's been rough listening without attenuation. Three steps on the volume control is too loud for my wife, two steps is too low for me.
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