Does the volume control effect sound quality?

Atmasphere, I am not talking about a preamp. I'm talking about a stepped attenuator or autoformer in the input of a tube amplifier. I have a stepped attenuator in my amplifier, and this configuration sounds better than any preamp I've had in my system. Now, I want to try a autoformer in my amp.

The Atma-Sphere M-60 amps are available with a volume control upgrade that IIRC is implemented at the amps input. Pretty sure it is a stepped attenuator as well.

Yes, VC upgrade in M-60 are stepped attenuator using Caddock resistors, I think.

Funny, the original poster is absent on this thread. My comments have been directed to the issues raised in his post.

To that effect, George, I think you are mistaken- this was indeed about the Dynaco PAS-3 and the installation of a replacement volume control.

He was talking about how the volume control has changed the sound. And I say given the same value they all sound different to each other. I believe because of materials used and contact point pressure, given the same value they are the single most worst component that can change the sound in equipment. They are fundamentally flawed. It's just like having loose/dirty rca plugs/sockets if you clean them with contact cleaner (plug and socket) you will hear a massive difference to your sound, and these have ten/hundred times the contact area than the miniscule area a pot has.


Cheers George