Ok maybe £300
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Ok maybe £300
Glad you are finding differences with different methods of attenuation
The history of varying a signal using resistance, which has similarity but is not quite the same as switched attenuation
goes back nearly 100 years to a patent for the rheostat, that was intended for a musical light display instrument "The Sarabet " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Hallock-Greenewalt
used with a type of Visual music she called - Nourathar
It is interesting to note that varying audio signals, this way via a rheostat, was never intended at all.
In your journey discovering different methods of attenuation, keep in mind there are many alternatives, such as using contact-less opto- coupling methods.
Alan which of the Khozmo's did you try? I think there's at least as much variation between them as there is with other brands. My own personal favourite switched attenuator is the Goldpoint V47, they just didn't do a reasonably priced RC version so I settled on the 10k rotary encoded Khozmo.
Hoping that I am not hi-jacking this thread, I would like to contribute my experience with stepped attenuators, if I may.
There has been a lot of debate among fellow audiophiles about the comparison of passive and active preamps. Each side had certain advantages to propose. I have a top-of-the-line Croft preamp, the Micro 25RSLS (line only), upgraded by Glenn.
Attachment 24845
But I took the plunge and purchased a passive Hattor dual-mono preamp (the higher-end brand that Arek Kallas, the owner of Khozmo, has on offer).
Attachment 24846
Attachment 24847
My Hattor passive preamp uses Khozmo shunt attenuators with z-foil resistors. In comparison to the Croft preamp, the Hattor was more transparent, more detailed, but simultaneously somewhat "thinner" and smaller in body. The passive preamp sounded more neutral, more precise, whereby the Croft sounded more alive, with greater body and more realistic. I could not say that the one was better than the other one on all points. I liked several qualities in both preamps.
And then it dawned at me. What if I could combine the best of each preamp?
So, I decided to make a small experiment. More specifically I decided to bypass the low-cost pots of the Croft (Tocos) and use the Hattor as a volume control upstream the Croft. In other words, I connected all sources (phono stage and DAC) to the Hattor and then I connected the Hattor output to one of the Croft's inputs. Interconnect cables for that connection were Mark Grant HDX1. All other interconnects were Belden 8428.
Attachment 24843
Attachment 24844
The result? REALLY, really interesting! The combined preamps gave me both the transparency, detail, body and dynamics. The realism of the sound was upgraded. And all that, taking into account that there were additional circuits, binding posts and an extra set of interconnects than before.
After this introduction, I am now seriously thinking of having two Khozmo attenuators with z-foil resistors (similar to the ones in the Hattor preamp) installed inside the Croft preamp. This will allow me to achieve a shorter signal path than what I currently have with my chained preamps. Hopefully a remote control will fit inside the Croft box as well.
I understand that other fellow members have tried Khozmo attenuators, and there seems to be a consensus that series attenuators are better than shunt. I have not had the chance to make such a comparison, but I've liked the shunt attenuators of the Hattor (having followed Arek's recommendation).
I know that commercial (vs. DIY) hi-fi gear is built to a price point, and I have the utmost respect to Croft gear. However, in my humble opinion, I believe that Croft's designs would perform significantly better with upgraded valves (NOS instead of new stock) and switched attenuators (than carbon pots). I hope my comments are not misunderstood, I am just speaking from personal experience.
Panos,
You are the man!!
I have been saying the same thing to Croft owners & Firebottle KIN owner, Alan, for the last 12 months are least.
The TOCOS pots in the Croft is an adequate pot and one I prefer to the Alps blue but there is so much more available from the preamp than either pot allows.
The Khozmo is an absolute beauty. I have the series stepped attenuator and I love it. It's my second one.
There was a bakeoff today between the Firebottle KIN fitted with an Acoustic Dimensions SA and my new DCB1 with Khozmo.
There was certainly enough quality in the FIREBOTTLE KIN that was being strangled by the Alps pot. Now, it's a thing of beauty all thanks to the upgrade to the ADSA.
Get the better attenuator fitted and enjoy the croft. Good work sir!
Indeed, Oliver, this is what I am going to do. I'll have Khozmo attenuators fitted into the Croft. I hope (and expect) that the final result will be even better than my current overkill preamp combination. But that recent experiment has been quite enlightening.
Now the question is whether I should go for shunt or series attenuators. Arek favors shunt...
I understand that Josie has significant experience with Khozmo attenuators in her Croft preamp for several years now.
I don't think Josie is alone in that experience either.
I asked for advise on whether to go shunt, ladder or series and the concencious was for series. No idea why but when electrical engineers are saying it, I listen.
I've heard a hattor, it was decent but suffered the same traits all passives do. I prefer active/unity gain.
Good luck with the mods to the croft, I'll look forward to the pics [emoji6]
Anyone heard the Hattor active tube stage with the Hattie passive?
What's nice is the ability to switch it out easily, so you can listen in active or passive modes depending on mood.
It is about twice the price of the passive unfortunately.
A bare Slagle AVC was $200. Don't tell me any RVC kills it?
What is KIN? Any links?