Raul, are you thinking of the Goldpoint series attenuators for your and my Phonolinepreamp? Yes, you did advise me to replace the originals with those Goldpoints that use SMDs. Can you tell me what value, in terms of Kohms? One thing I noted is that Goldpoint claim they no longer need to sell ladder type attenuators (one resistor in circuit per position both in series and in parallel with the signal) because the SMD resistors raise the quality of the series type to that of a ladder type. (For others, series attenuator will have a string of resistors soldered end to end, with resistors added as you go increasingly attenuate the signal. This is usually inferior to a ladder type attenuator, if you are seeking Nirvana. Since there are so many solder joints in a series type attenuator circuit, it is no wonder at all that SMDs will work better.) I probably should look into doing the mod but when I did, I also considered using Khozmo shunt type attenuators and got stuck on the decision between the two. I use the Khozmo stereo balanced shunt attenuator in my MP1 and they are excellent. A shunt type places only one resistor in the circuit in parallel with the signal per setting. What I tried to convey to Mijostyn is that I would not choose between two components based ONLY on the fact that one uses SMDs and one does not or that one uses fiberglass PCBs and one does not. |
@lewm , you still have not told me why you gravitate towards the BMC. The quality and type of construction used in a unit are important indicators as is circuit design. As far as sonic performance is concerned, it is much harder to get a bead on it and frankly all great phono stages should sound exactly the same. We usually only get to hear them after the purchase. I will go with the best construction every time for the type of unit I want in this case a Current mode phono stage. |
Dear @mijostyn : Many years ago I had the opportunity to listen almost the first ( I think? ) BMC current phono design and I can't remember nothing especial about. The SMD subject it's not only that we can have shorter signal paths in the boards but with lower noise and distortion levels.
I know you are in deep foundation with the current phono stages that's not a new technology but what is almost new are the latest 3-6 manufacturers with that kind of design including CH that in this case and with out listen it is more marketing than other real value but I never listen to it. J.Carr latter cartridge models came with very low internal resistance and inductance and seems to me that he designed that way not precisely thinking on the " new " current phono designs because to me that could not has " common " sense " when the 99.9% of all phono stages are voltage designs.
Today " current " is the histoty of the day but not a consolidated/matured phono stage industry design. I think that the " devotes " ( as you ) to that current phono stage designs need give more time to the designer knowledge deeper down there along the understanding of them with the cartridge role.
This is something as in the Cartridge Loading 2 where the OP with not really high knowledge levels about now is " fasinated " in that thread with the dialogue that analize current vs voltage phono stages but with out really know for sure through measures tests and listen tests. I'm sure that his knowledge level about improved " nothing " because that kind ofdialogue is not really something that today can enhance our each one listened sessions that at the end it's what all of us are looking for.
Anyway, to each his own.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTPORTIONS, R. |
