Goldpoint SA4M-47 passive 'preamp' winging its way to Marco Towers...

[awkwardbydesign]

Both DACT and Goldpoint have been using SMDs in the design of their stepped attenuators for years, and their products are amongst the most respected on the market, used in many professional applications. You don't get that sort of reputation if your products are crap!:

Marco.

You must bear in mind that some of these products are only possible in their current form because SMD devices allow dense packing and very short signal paths. Don't confuse the component with the circuit! I already mentioned that the Z-foils have long legs in your test; you need to be able to separate the different effects if you are going to put down someone else!

[awkwardbydesign]

Ok, noted. No doubt it's one that'll probably get the better of us... We'll try it in Duncan's own passive unit first, to see if it makes any difference, as it'll be easier to implement there, and if successful, do it to the Goldpoint.

You certainly can't have all this fun (and useful learning) by boringly sticking with a stock product!!

Marco.

Agreed. And it may be worth mounting some good sockets in a box and doing this experiment without any Goldpoint parts. A quick comparison would then be possible.

[Marco]

Sorry you are still the idiot who doesn't understand. All you have done is change the wiring. It is still the same crap SMD attenuator using a different resistor to load it, exactly as I said.

No!

Listen up and listen well: the original "crap SMD resistors" are now being used as SHUNTS. They are no longer in series. In the SERIES position now are AudioNote Tantalums, the effect of which is what is mainly being heard, hence the significant sonic upgrade.

If what you are saying was correct, there would never have been such a dramatic upgrade heard!

Furthermore, the Glasshouse devices, you're wanking yourself over, I've already had fitted to the Croft (and they were good), but were subsequently outperformed by a DACT (yes, using similar SMDs to the Goldpoint) - and the Goldpoint switches are better than the DACT, so go figure!!

Now this is the last I will respond to your nonsense. In any case, the proof of the pudding will be when the Goldpoint (when it's finished) is compared with Macca's NVA. If the latter wins, then that's what will be fairly reported. However, given the blinkered shite you've been writing about the Goldpoint, if it wins, you can be assured that you won't ever hear the end of it.....

Marco.

[Marco]

You must bear in mind that some of these products are only possible in their current form because SMD devices allow dense packing and very short signal paths. Don't confuse the component with the circuit!

Precisely, which is what the uninitiated idiot from 'elsewhere' is deliberately ignoring, or doesn't have the brains to appreciate. And it's highly significant.

And it may be worth mounting some good sockets in a box and doing this experiment without any Goldpoint parts. A quick comparison would then be possible.

Yup, good idea

Marco.

[Marco]

Problems
Solder joint dimensions in SMD quickly become much smaller as advances are made toward ultra-fine pitch technology. The reliability of solder joints becomes more of a concern, as less and less solder is allowed for each joint. Voiding is a fault commonly associated with solder joints, especially when reflowing a solder paste in the SMD application. The presence of voids can deteriorate the joint strength and eventually lead to joint failure.
SMD is unsuitable for large, high-power, or high-voltage parts, for example in power circuitry. It is common to combine SMD and through-hole construction, with transformers, heat-sinked power semiconductors, physically large capacitors, fuses, connectors, and so on mounted on one side of the PCB through holes.
SMD is unsuitable as the sole attachment method for components that are subject to frequent mechanical stress, such as connectors that are used to interface with external devices that are frequently attached and detached.
SMD are small low wattage components so cannot duplicate proper through hole component. There were developed for computers, not for audio products.
They have very small and weak solder joints compared with through hole and are not recommended where there is physical shock or vibration, which is what a switch does when you turn it. This has given the DACT switch a reputation for losing positions from broken joints. They are not reliable.

Not my experience at all. Mine, over many years of using them, is the complete opposite.

Regardless, and this is the bit you need to allow to penetrate through that rhino-thick, pigheaded skull of yours: none of the above stopped a DACT stepped attenuator from outperforming, in my system, your favoured Glasshouse (replete with your favoured resistors)!!

So as ever, it proves that there is no 'universally best' anything in audio, no matter how much it suits you to think otherwise! If the shunts make as much difference to the sound as the series resistors, then I will also upgrade those in due course. However, it makes sense to do one thing at a time, both form a learning and cost P.O.V.

Regardless, if I end up removing the SMD shunts and fitting whichever type of resistors there *I*, not the manufacturer of the stepped attenuator, think sounds best (as after all it's for my system), then I'll still have them fitted to what IMO are the best quality switches on the market: Goldpoint.

Now, embrace and accept that point, instead of like a pigheaded imbecile, arguing ad infinitum - and losing hilariously in the process. Mind you, it must be difficult quitting the habit of a lifetime!!

Can't wait for the NVA vs. Goldpoint passive bake-off..........

Marco.

[Marco]

Highly significant my arse. So you have done comparison. Laughable, just look at the mans pictures of the mods and how long the components legs have been left. If his point is true then the one with the shortest legs should win.

They were deliberately left that way, during the testing/listening process, you idiot, just in case I wanted to sell the ones I didn't like as much!!

The resistors I've kept, and am currently using (AN Tants) have been cut and properly fitted. Look at the picture of those, compared with the rest, or are you going blind as well as senile in your old age? Now give it up before you make yourself look an even bigger fool than you already are!

Over and out - time for lunch.

Marco.

[awkwardbydesign]

Marco, are you posting replies to something said on a different forum?

[orbscure]

Richard... as we mere mortals are not allowed to mention the source on forum, I'll PM you with a link..

[Beobloke]

Marco, are you posting replies to something said on a different forum?

I was wondering that myself as there only appears to be half an argument going on...

[Marco]

A certain Mr R Dunn and his cesspit. Need I say more?

Marco.