Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
I think I might chance it on one of the original ones I linked to.
Cheers Jules, that's encouraging. I was attracted to this one due to the "better than worst" transformer available and the nice simple display. I like the mini metal remote too.
I have been sifting through hundreds of the ebay/Ali express ones and although admittedly I don't know too much about the parts of them these looked to have the most familiar configurations I've seen in other pre's. The stepped ladder volume relay and neatly laid out boards look simple enough.
Seeing how simple they are does make me want to go the DIY route . . . I'd love to give it a go. Then I add up the price of a semi decent transformer, volume pots and enclosure and it's probably higher than a fully built one and might not be significantly better at the budget end.
Interested to hear further opinions.
Cheers
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
It is easier to seek forgiveness than to ask permission
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Location: North Island New Zealand
Posts: 1,757
I'm Chris.
https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/top...ttenuator-kit/
Which is also passive. It suits systems where sensitivity of power amp is below 1.5v for full output with resistive loading 20k or more, which is the majority of power amps
The standard kit is provided with three inputs featuring contact-less switching and has a remote control option.
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
Location: Seaford UK
Posts: 1,861
I'm Dennis.
"That one uses an electronic volume control, so avoid.
Is it the general view that electronic volume controls are inferior still?
Location: North Island New Zealand
Posts: 1,757
I'm Chris.
Unsure of which one you are referring to Dennis? For clarification where audio signals pass through either contacts or electronic volume controls there is typically deterioration of the resulting audio.
LDR's are quite different altogether, being a passive variable resistor, arranged in a L pad, activated by more or less light intensity. There are no contacts as light is a contact less medium.
The differences of one LDR product to the next are explained here: https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/top...r-discoveries/
Location: North Island New Zealand
Posts: 1,757
I'm Chris.