Croft pre stepped attenuator

[valves]

Hi,

I have a Croft pre R S spec but with American octal valves.

Just wondering if stepped attentuators are worthwhile?

Thanks

[vinyl]

What's got you wondering?

[Simon_LDT]

I've got one of these in my passive: http://www.acoustic-dimension.com/attenuators/attenuators-main.htm

Superb and a big leap up from the tisbury I was using previously (I believe it uses a Dact 21-step).

[hifi_dave]

Many stepped attenuators have too coarse steps, so you often have difficulty in selecting the exact volume level you require.

[valves]

Hi,

Thanks for replies,

Noticed a few people recommending DACT in Croft pre amps.

I would need 2, so nearly £400.

I was wondering if it was a worthwhile modification.

Carl

[valves]

Thanks for the 41 step link.

[IHP]

Hi Carl,

I say with hand on heart, if I owned a Croft RS pre (and I did for a little while), I'd leave it as the designer intended and sit back and enjoy it. I just can't help thinking that a possible outcome is spending the £400, getting the DACTs fitted and then not really noticing any sonic improvement.

Genuinely not trying to be a bore in suggesting leaving all well alone - sometimes the best thing to do is nothing !

[valves]

Thank you.

[walpurgis]

I just can't help thinking that a possible outcome is spending the £400, getting the DACTs fitted and then not really noticing any sonic improvement.

I'm inclined to think the same.


Somewhat off topic, but if I had a spare £400 to play with, I'd be sorely tempted to try this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Glasshouse-tvc-preamp/112703369206?hash=item1a3da4eff6:g:7zIAAOSwT2daO8H i

[Mixc]

Hi, I ordered one of these last night.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dale-23-Steps-Attenuator-2-Channels-Volume-potentiometer-10k-50K-100K-250K-500K/322590212161

I found that the volume pot on my Croft Epoch was not balanced 20kohm difference between sides, currently Ive bypassed the volume using resistors, big improvement. but no adjustment.

You could try using resistors to see how big an improvement a stepped device would give.

[anthonyTD]

Switching out the standard volume pots in the Croft to a stereo Stepped attenuator Ie; a Dact will definately improve the stereo imaging, and presence etc, High quality, well designed stepped attenuators are much more accurate than any conventional potentiometer.
Hi,

I have a Croft pre R S spec but with American octal valves.

Just wondering if stepped attentuators are worthwhile?

Thanks

[valves]

Are the DACT stepped attentuators worth the outlay? Would only want to change them once.

[martian sunrise]

Ive got them on my epoch, but I didn't have them fitted. The steps are big, but I'm not bothered by it

[Mixc]

Hi, I ordered one of these last night.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dale-23-Steps-Attenuator-2-Channels-Volume-potentiometer-10k-50K-100K-250K-500K/322590212161

I found that the volume pot on my Croft Epoch was not balanced 20kohm difference between sides, currently Ive bypassed the volume using resistors, big improvement. but no adjustment.

You could try using resistors to see how big an improvement a stepped device would give.

My stepped pot arrived safely a couple of weeks ago, and is now installed. And I am listening to my revised system properly for the first time.
Everything seems to have come together, Ive made a few big changes recently. The most recent changes are the Stepped Pot and 3 ECC88s 1 Brimar and 2 Russian (VT Gold) for thr ARC

The system is a 301 with SME 3009, the VDH Linn Asak from Alan (Firebottle), through my modified Crimson Elektric (Head amp) to my Croft pre plugged directly into my ARC power amp, driving Focal Elektra 1028BEs.

Im listening to Paul Simons, Graceland album and ive never heard it so good....
The separation, detail and tonality have all improved dramatically.
So I can wholeheartedly recommend The £20 stepped pot in the above link as it should make a massive difference if replacing a standard carbon pot.

[valves]

Thanks getting near to a decision.

[The Black Adder]

I've used the Khozomo 48 stepped attenuator in my uber upgraded Croft Epoch Elite for years now. It's sound is amazing, it's build quality is second to none and it's price is very reasonable.

Hope that helps.

[vinyl]

I've used the Khozomo 48 stepped attenuator in my uber upgraded Croft Epoch Elite for years now. It's sound is amazing, it's build quality is second to none and it's price is very reasonable.

Hope that helps.

Likewise, it was from Jo's help and feedback that I had a Khozmo fitted to my Charisma X pre. Not being overly expensive it wouldn't hurt my pocket, should I not enjoyed it.

I think Marco had a Dact in his pre when we spoke (although it was over a year ago), and Anthony (Tube Distinctions) was very positive about them too when we chatted (super helpful as always) as he's mentioned above.

[Simon_LDT]

Definitely don't overlook the Acoustic Dimension 41-step, it has opened a window in my system. The big plus for me is the sense of space around the individual sounds/instruments and added depth to the sound.

[Marco]

Switching out the standard volume pots in the Croft to a stereo Stepped attenuator Ie; a Dact will definately improve the stereo imaging, and presence etc, High quality, well designed stepped attenuators are much more accurate than any conventional potentiometer.

Absolutely; there is simply no comparison, and the DACT attenuators are among the best. Khozmo are very good, too. Either, on the Croft, will sonically outperform any pot. No question whatsoever! :cool:

Marco.

[valves]

Thank you,

Everyone.