Line Attenuators

[Light Dependant Resistor]

I agree with you , ... but for some, the path of discovery they seem to always strangely insist on, is therefore longer.
requiring self discovery and awareness, before naturally returning to what you are referring to.

[Pharos]

And that principle, of discovering relevant and irrelevant factors represents growth.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

The history of patent no 1,357,773 November 1920, do you think would infer perhaps too much time with growth ?

One could say dwelling on the wrong product, getting well misled and in despair clinging on to upholding, what was never
intended to pass audio signals,.... but still some like to take their time.

[eldarvanyar]

Passive attenuation therefore is the answer needed. Less components that are potentially altering the audio signal between your source and power amp,
with a passive - will bring beneficial result.

There are many forms of passive, that are all worthwhile auditioning.

Can you list some?
Thanks
Lee

[Firebottle]

Standard carbon track potentiomenter.
Plastic track potentiometer.

Switched attenuator. Can be surface mount resistors or any variety of carbon/metal film/tantalum resistors on the larger switches.

Relay ladder attenuator. A series of relays switch resistor pairs (generally) in and out of circuit.

Transformer based attenuator with switched taps. The inductor is usually a single winding, hence technically an autoformer.

Light dependent resistor attenuator.

Solid state volume control chip such as the PGA2310.

[Slawts]

Hi Lee,

What sort of problems are you encountering that makes you feel the need for attenuators?

I have a valve pre and a ss power amp and there was audible hiss. which I found irritating.

I had another amp which was valve but didn't drive the speakers as well as I would hope.

I tried attenuators from members on here and bought a pair of 10db Rothwells from one of them.

The valve power is sold and there is no hiss from the ss amp. I forget the attenuators are there and it is the best my system has sounded. I still end up no more than around 9am on the dial but never ended up more with the valve power amp.

[eldarvanyar]

Hi Lee,

What sort of problems are you encountering that makes you feel the need for attenuators?

I have a valve pre and a ss power amp and there was audible hiss. which I found irritating.

I had another amp which was valve but didn't drive the speakers as well as I would hope.

I tried attenuators from members on here and bought a pair of 10db Rothwells from one of them.

The valve power is sold and there is no hiss from the ss amp. I forget the attenuators are there and it is the best my system has sounded. I still end up no more than around 9am on the dial but never ended up more with the valve power amp.

Hi,
As I stated at the beginning of the thread my Preamp output voltage is 100mv and the power amp input is 50mv. I am not able to use the volume control past 10 to 11 o’clock on the Preamp as it is too loud. My understanding is I am not benefiting from the Preamp as much as I should be. I wonders if attenuators would help and what level.

Thanks

Lee

[Pharos]

Yes, a simple potential divider cutting the I/P by 6dB, using the I/P impedance as the other resistor, and costing the price of two resistors will do it and do it best.

Just place a resistor in series with each I/P. (Which is what the more expensive and clumsy method using attenuating leads will do).

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Standard carbon track potentiomenter.
Plastic track potentiometer.

Switched attenuator. Can be surface mount resistors or any variety of carbon/metal film/tantalum resistors on the larger switches.

Relay ladder attenuator. A series of relays switch resistor pairs (generally) in and out of circuit.

Transformer based attenuator with switched taps. The inductor is usually a single winding, hence technically an autoformer.

Light dependent resistor attenuator.

Solid state volume control chip such as the PGA2310.

Also j- fets used as voltage controlled resistors, observing linearity can be improved with feedback, pages 243-249
"Designing with field effect transistors Second Edition Siliconix inc

[Slawts]

I think your understanding is wrong.

Unless there are lots of problems with the sound you are fine and haven't got a mismatch.