I obviously don't know anything about this, so I am going to shut up now. I used the attenuators between both solid state and tube CDPs, and tube integrated amp with excellent results. Best of luck to the OP.
Super-sensitive volume controls - remedy?
I'm getting real tired of preamps with a volume control that does everything from a faint whisper to way too loud all in the 8:00 to 10:00 position on the dial. My old Rotel RC-995 was like that, and now my new Parasound 2100; both with remote volume that becomes useless with that level of sensitivity. Of course, I noticed a big change when I switched from Maggie MG12's to Tekton Lore Reference, even with my old Luxman CX-100.
My question is not about searching for preamps that don't do that, but whether there is a transparent method of attenuation, either externally or internally, that would allow a more gradual and precise volume adjustment.
My question is not about searching for preamps that don't do that, but whether there is a transparent method of attenuation, either externally or internally, that would allow a more gradual and precise volume adjustment.
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Do attenuators like the Rothwells impose any sort of penalty related to sonic quality?Absolutely they do!!!!!!! I tried these several years ago and they literally destroyed the 3D performance and less so, the dynamics. Horrible horrible horrible solution to reduce the gain. I have this pair in my house somewhere. If I could find them, I'd give these POS's to you for free. I suggest you contact the company of your line stage and see if there is a parts kit to reduce the gain by 6 db or so. |
Thanks for all your input. After posting, I did some searches for the attenuators and found that this issue comes up fairly often. I am using the MM input for the DL-160 and can't imagine what the Shure would be like. As for speaker sensitivity, it obviously has played a part in this, however my concerns with the Rotel preamp occurred back when I was using Magnepans, and, as I recall, was just as bad, if not worse. I may, as Jafox has suggested, call Parasound and see if they have a soulution, and if I find a pair of attenuators that aren't too awfully expensive, I may give that a shot. I think I just need to do a little more homework before making my purchases from now on! |
11-23-14: JafoxJohn, I know that you are a particularly experienced and knowledgeable audiophile, and I always consider your comments to be among the most reliable to be found here, but nevertheless I must ask: Did you physically insert the attenuators into the input jacks of a component, or into the output jacks of a component? If the latter, as I indicated in my earlier post it would easily explain the poor results you obtained. At least, that is, if they were the Rothwells; I'm not familiar with the designs of the others that have been mentioned. Best regards, -- Al |
Found a helpful review of the Rothwells at "Enjoy The Music" August 2003. See link below. A few less exclamation marks than in Jafox's post but, otherwise, seemingly consistent with his observations. I see them carried by Amazon so might b possible to try and return them if they didn't work out. I think I'll pass for now. http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0803/rothwell.htm |
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