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stepped attenuators

Stepped attenuators are new to me and I must say that I'm impressed. I recently acquired a new Burson PI-160 and it leaves the older unit (which I have) in the dust. Burson says that the signal is at its weakest when going through the volume control and tried and tossed out a remote in favor of the attenuator. I can see why. I have all the detail, dynamics, nuance, tone, sound stage, etc. at lower settings that I no longer have to crank it for things to get lively. Its like each setting is all that Burosn intended (hardwired, if you will) allowing all the signal to come through undistorted. I know there's more to this unit than the volume control but I feel it must have a huge influence on the sound quality.
How do you feel about them?
128x128nonoise
clio09
3,357 posts
 
Everything has to go through the volume control, attenuator.

Yes obviously the signal goes through the switch. What I meant was that in an LDR design the sonic signature of the switch itself is not imparted in the signal. A Radio Shack switch works as well as the best Shallco stepped attenuator. There will be no difference. Here is a more technical explanation:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1276356977&openflup&548&4#548
and
[url]http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1276356977&openflup&549&4#549

As the OP indicated, Burson states the signal is weakest when it goes through the volume control. The only better solution than what Burson came up with is the LDR IMO.

FWIW, I'm getting one of these Burson units myself. They seem to have an excellent reputation.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Be sure that the one you select allows a sufficient range of adjustment, a friend had to change his a couple of times as the first were too sensitive and allowed him to use only the first few stops. When this happens the change between stops is magnified and it is hard to get the volume you want.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,891 posts
 
Mine and all current models have had the increase in volume steps tamed down some so as to not come on so strong at lower settings with efficient speakers. My Toninan Labs TL-D1s (95db) can tolerate 5 settings without my neighbors complaining. I know this sounds like not much of a selection but once you've heard the purity of the sound, you quickly adjust to the settings.
It was a little weird at first but I'm never going back.
ig316b
104 posts
 
Had my McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe upgraded with SMc Audio's Ultra package which has a Shallco that's built to Mr McCormack specification and assembled with Audio Note resistors. I have to agree with you on the transparency these have to offer. I would say it removes the glass from the proverbial window. Could not believe the difference. Unfortunately to use this attenuator had to forgo the passive capability of the pre, its now a buffered preamp.
cathode
72 posts
 
Nonoise: If you're constrained to 5 settings, you can probably have the input sensitivity of your amplifier altered by the manufacturer or a good technician. This is typically very easy, and can potentially give you (almost) full usage of the volume control....
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