2. amps-preamps
  3. 1310264293

Adding Placette for finer volume adjustment?

I cannot get a small-enough volume gradations from the Dact 23-Step attenuator on my (tubed) preamp. I was thinking of trying a Placette passive between the preamp and my power amp. (There is a lot of gain going on with my EMM cdp, a lot with the XLR outputs, less with the SE ones, so I am usually limited to the 1st 4 steps on the attenuator.)

I don't want to muddy-up the sound.

I tried some well-regarded attenuators thingys that attach to the RCA jacks, which did give me decent gradations, but made the sound muddy and veiled, so I gave up on those.

I *LOVE* the sound of the tubed preamp I am using, but I may have to give up on it and just get another preamp so solve this attenuation problem. Oh well...

Thanks.
rgs92
detredwings
162 posts
 
Although not 100 steps the hificollective sells the Glasshouse Seiden 43 step attenuator (0.5W version) As a kit or fully assembled and Michael Percy Audio sells the Shallco 45 position kit. You would need someone to build it. They are both somewhat expensive but should give you what you want? There may be more sources for attenuators with more steps but I don't know them.

Also you could find out about attenuation at your amp end?

I built my own shunt style 24 step attenuators and made the steps very close together in the range where I listen to music. I know that everyone doesn't have the technical background to do that but you may find someone near you that could do it?
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Thank you Detredwings, I would have to think about modding this amp, voiding the warranty, taking a risk. But I'll think about it. It did cross my mind.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
OK, I made some real progress here & I am satisfied now.
I used my little CI-Audio (Channel Island Audio) VP3 passive volume control ($300, with a great non-stepped ALPS "blue-velvet" dial that has a nice feel to it) and placed it between the preamp and power-amp and I got excellent transparency. I let it run in for a day and it opened up nicely.

Previously, I had the device positioned between the CD player and the preamp and it made the sound too restricted, but in this new position it is very fine and virtually invisible. I recommend this little box, about 3 inches by 1 inch that takes no power, just the RCA inputs/outputs.

I set the preamp volume about where I was using it to get a level just one step louder than I like (the 5th step of 24) and the CI is at about the 3 o'clock position, and it gives me perfect control.

Of course, I'm tempted to try the lightspeed or placette, but I just stick with this since it works.

By the way, EVC attenuators are not made anymore (I emailed Ric on this & he told me this.)
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