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

[anthonyTD]

Yes, exactly, that goes without saying, my first and foremost reason for using that paticular Stepped attenuator was its sonic performance, however, the fact that it used surface mount components was also a huge positive for the reasons outlined in my previous post.

Yes, and the stepped attenuators you use (DACT, with SMD-type resistors fitted) also happen to sound very good, because if they didn't, then no matter how 'safe' things were in transit, you wouldn't use them!

Marco.

[Marco]

Absolutely, mate, I just wanted to ensure that folks were clear on the fact that your choice of using the DACT was primarily for sound quality reasons, and not simply logistical practicalities!

Marco.

[The Black Adder]

A little questionette.

I run a series stepped attenuator (Khozmo) - Is it possible to convert mine in to 'shunt' or are the Goldpoint ones somehow different?

[Marco]

It could easily be done, but I wouldn't recommend it in the Croft, certainly if yours is anything like mine, as it didn't like the reduction in gain. It's different with the Goldpoint, as there is no gain there to begin with!

If you decide to get an SA4M (although I would opt for a 24-stepper instead and save yourself some money), then I would ask Duncan to rewire the switches, as he did in mine, from a series to a 'shunt-type series' (thereby obtaining some of the benefits of both worlds), or probably better still, ask him to build you a passive preamp from scratch, using all your favourite 'bits'.

In that respect, I'd go for 'blank' Goldpoint dual-mono switches, and then fill them with Z-foils. That would be awesome! It's probably the way mine will end up

Marco.

[Desmo]

A little questionette.

I run a series stepped attenuator (Khozmo) - Is it possible to convert mine in to 'shunt' or are the Goldpoint ones somehow different?

Pretty much any stepped attenuator or even potentiometer can be converted to shunt operation. It used to be a common mod for the Alps Blue type. I run a shunted stepped attenuator in my valve/hybrid pre amp and it works just fine. Someone posted a picture of the modification wiring earlier in this thread. (post #318)

[DSJR]

Well, as well as buying a cheaper Dale 'ladder type' attenuator, I'm going to take the plunge and make a bloody pair of shunt attenuators myself! I can use wanky ones in series and currently, thoughts are veering towards Takmans for the shunts.. Switches already ordered and resistors once finances have recovered...

[Marco]

Did you go for Elma switches, Dave? IMO, those are about the best. Swiss made. It's what Goldpoint use on their attenuators. Why have you decided on Takmans? I thought you'd have 'toed the party line' and opted for Shinkohs!

Marco.

[DSJR]

I don't 'bloody' know I haven't thought it through yet. My system and funds don't allow for expensive switches as you use, so the basic ones as used by NVA in the cheaper preamp should do me well (the Tisbury types are ok for me for example and I'm still using them). Rather than fork out a ton, I'm hoping to save some dosh if I do it myself, that's all and obviously, the other amps I use may or may not like a shunt type pot.


By the way and on a completely different tack, a VERY good CD for judging amps and 'stuff,' could be 'Some Great Reward,' by Depeche Mode. I played this at lunchtime and was more than a bit taken aback...

[Marco]

Lol - no worries. Hope it works out well. Keep us posted

Noted on the DM track!

Marco.

[YNWaN]

My post was in reply to YNWAN's point about Clarity Caps, not about resistors.

It's not really my point, I was just repeating what the Clarity Cap research found.