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attenuation

 I checked the archives on the subject and admittedly not all 7500+ posts but none I read addressed this elementary level question.
From what I gather from reading a few pages worth this may not be a simple yes or no answer is there ever one. 
So my Technic integrated amp 70 watts driving my Canton 9kmonitor (power handling 50/250 watts 87db sensitivity, gets to roughly 30% on the volume knob before approaching clipping per the meter needle on the amp briefly bouncing to 100 watts mark. The amp has a 20 dB attenuator I can and do engage which allows me to use 80 % or more of the volume adjustment knob( that's right I'm new to all of this actually about 1 year in) thus giving me greater flexibility in volume adjustment.
My question does engaging the 20db attenuator have any negative sonic effects on the music. It would seem not but if it does what is negatively impacted? Thank you for your input.
scott22
scott22 OP
260 posts
 
Russ  Thanks just needed reaffirmation that it does not add any distortion. 

MC as always you are quick to help rookies with your insightful thoughts.
To answer your question both. The 20 dB lets me make finer adjustments with the other. 
But I'm confused my amp goes to 100 well beyond 11( ventage gear I guess) and when It does my body starts shaking all over and my spine feels tapped out from all that jitter. But not to worry I bought an external Muon stabilizer( only ten grand) direct from the manufacturer and it comes with a 30 day in-home trial however the shipping cost was a killer. I am happy to report It performed as advertised and remove the jitter I was feeling and now all is well in a new and unified cosmos.   
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Careful who you pick as a guru, many manufacturers mechanical step potentiometers, very few including in the high end build a discrete resistor stereo volume control. See Ayre KXR for an excellent example. No device is free of artifacts, which do you prefer ?


scott22 OP
260 posts
 
Tomic thanks for this advice you are correct it is all about compromise I'll side for now with the ability to use my attenuator options as I can't hear any distortion.
I believe a big part of our problem is we take ourselves too seriously.
Case in point  I noticed a post the other day that was pulled that got into the science vs what you hear debate folks get too emotional. Both camps have valid points and I appreciate both points of view. 

scott22 OP
260 posts
 
Brief correction the cantons are 120/200 watt range in power handeling.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
I am firmly in the  measure AND listen camp with the understanding that science moves.....including our understanding of the ear brain

have fun, enjoy
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