Will
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Post by Will on Dec 1, 2008 20:31:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2008 20:50:47 GMT
Wilbur The attenuator in the top link should be better than most cheap dual potentiometers due to it's use of 1% resistors,but some Asian sourced MF resistors sound like crap compared to the better types. But I wouldn't advise the one in the 2nd link which appears to use carbon resistors.May be O.K. , BUT ... Alex
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Post by nickyboyo on Dec 5, 2008 20:59:46 GMT
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 5, 2008 21:31:29 GMT
Have bought the one from the top link and also the one with "Dale" resistors..... will report back on them when they arrive...... probably test them out in the SCHA.
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Post by jeffc on Dec 10, 2008 2:27:37 GMT
I fitted the one in the top link in my SCHA, its OK, a bit clunkier between steps than the one I have from DIYFidelity in AUS using Dale resistors. Nice listen volume with my setup and phones is in the 2-4 pm range, but it has a problem resistor at the 1 pm setting in one channel, too loud. Hopefully this was just bad luck and a QC slip up, but no refunds offered which makes me weary.
And FWIIW, some folk over that the DIYPARADISE forum swear that bog standard cheap carbon resistors sound better than metal films types and are only bettered by much more expensive and boutique 'for audio use' types.
cheers.. jeffc
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2008 2:36:44 GMT
Jeff Try measuring the applicable resistors in that area with your DMM. If you can't get the identical value 1% MF from Jaycar, just replace them both sides with the closest 1% MF from Jaycar. Could also be a dry joint ? BTW, bog standard cheap carbon resistors are noisier than MF, and you would need to buy several of each value to get a reasonably matched pair due to their much wider tolerance Alex
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Post by jeffc on Dec 10, 2008 3:36:55 GMT
Thanks Alex,
The SCHA PSU is in pieces and the moment waiting for upgrade UF diodes from CJ , been ages in transit, hope the parcel hasn't been turned around as has happened before :-( , so I should get to that attenuator. Haven't worried about it much as the problem area is outside where I normally listen. And replace the 470uf caps on the board and try a few other mods too.
And with the carbon resistors, it appears they are favoured due to them having a more relaxed/organic sound signature. However, as usual I should do the comparison and report, not speculate based on others opinions.
cheers.. jeffc
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2008 5:09:18 GMT
Jeff You probably already know that Jaycar sells UF4004 for 95c each. You only need 4. Alex
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 13, 2008 21:02:55 GMT
The one from the first link arrived today, only 5 days to come from Hong Kong! I have slotted her into the Jaycar amp and each step is perfectly balanced. The rotary switch is a little bit clunky but I'm sure it will bed in / smoothen with usage. The build quality is 100% and for £10 you just cannot go wrong (you really can't!) it would take you AGES to solder all those resistors into position and I doubt I could do as good a job as the chap who makes these up... worth every penny. I've also got the one that uses "dale" resistors on the way and will report back on it when it arrives..... the one in the top link though is a cracker and faster than a speeding bullet shipping from the seller.... highly recommended
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 13, 2008 21:27:18 GMT
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 14, 2008 11:02:53 GMT
That looks very nicely built, I am still waiting for mine. How do you like the intervals? I still prefer the more gradual increase of pot versus an attenuator. I find that the steps are to wide appart. Perhaps 48 steps would help solve my issue but it would be HUGE and very EXPENSIVE. The intervals are spot on Miguel.... a very natural progression with no massive jumps in volume..... 24 steps are more than enough for me with this particular one.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 14, 2008 16:44:06 GMT
Good to hear, btw at $26 it is a major bargain. Just think of all the time it took to build that sucker. Mike, have you thought of installing one in the X-Can V2? The one you installed a blue velvet pot in! I've still got that v2 Miguel and, NO, I have no intention of fitting one of these mama honkers inside the v2... erm, I don't quite think there'd be enough room do you?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 14, 2008 16:52:57 GMT
The beauty of these things is you can find your favourite "step" / volume level, mark it and then fit your choice of uber expensive resistors in that particular step..... why waste money on all the rest of the steps if you always listen at a certain volume level?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 14, 2008 20:55:06 GMT
Darn, that is a great idea Mike. Whether or not it will make one iota of difference to the SQ who knows? One possible way to test the SQ of two different types of resistor would be to place one of the same value at two of the steps (or all the steps if you had a wide variety of resistors to audition)..... that way you could switch between the two (the volume would remain the same as the resistors are identical value) and see which one you prefer sonically..... when you've chosen the resistor of choice then just retrofit the original value of resistor at the adjacent step. I dunno it's all a bit pedantic for me farting about with resistors but if you have the time and the inclination it could possibly be a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2008 21:56:18 GMT
Mike Unfortunately, those cheap attenuators appear to have all been sold, but how would you compare this particular attenuator, SQ wise, with the Alps volco ? Alex
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Will
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Post by Will on Dec 16, 2008 21:31:54 GMT
My attenuator arrived the middle of last week, they do seem to be pretty well made.
Once Christmas is over, I'll be dropping it in.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 17, 2008 15:49:10 GMT
Well.... that's the one with the Dale resistors (second link) arrived.... I'll slap her into position later on and see how she fares against the one in the first link. Again, shipping VERY fast and this one seems equally well put together.... at £14 you really cannot moan (REMEMBER... the fat bastards in suits source their products in exactly the same way...... the attenuator you see here for £10 is the same type of attenuator the fat bastards charge £100 for...... the only difference being they add BULLSHIT.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 17, 2008 22:40:35 GMT
My attenuator arrived the middle of last week, they do seem to be pretty well made. Once Christmas is over, I'll be dropping it in. Why "once Christmas is over"?? Slap her in now mate........ it's not rocket science ;D
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Will
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Post by Will on Dec 18, 2008 7:15:41 GMT
My attenuator arrived the middle of last week, they do seem to be pretty well made. Once Christmas is over, I'll be dropping it in. Why "once Christmas is over"?? Slap her in now mate........ it's not rocket science ;D Yep, your right, it is straight forward, but it's finding the time at the moment. A shed load of work to do before Christmas means I finish work at about 8.30pm at the mo, after a 7am start, including a 200 mile round trip. The idea of taking a hot stick to my wonderful SCHA whilst feeling that blasted is pretty scary! Mind you, Friday is POETS day...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2008 7:52:22 GMT
Wilbur You are right to put it off until you are feeling more relaxed. More than once I have tried to finish off something while fatigued, and came unstuck big time ! You have to know when to stop, and when not to re start a project. Alex.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 18, 2008 7:58:50 GMT
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 18, 2008 8:04:23 GMT
Thanks to Alex for grabbing these instructions out of a word document for me...... Hook up instructions for the attenuator in the second link:
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2008 8:11:12 GMT
Mike Just let it run in your normal listening position, then if you can hear an appreciable improvement, fart around with their other method. Personally, I couldn't be bothered with all the extra stuffing around.If it's as good as they claim, it will get plenty of use over a period of time, anyway. Alex
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 18, 2008 12:36:19 GMT
Got the "dale" resistor attenuator installed in the SCHA and it sounds much the same as the other one if truth be told..... nice and precise, good depth and well balanced..... nice
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2008 20:10:46 GMT
Got the "dale" resistor attenuator installed in the SCHA and it sounds much the same as the other one if truth be told..... nice and precise, good depth and well balanced..... nice But have you given it the experts' recommendation of at least 100 hours in your normal listening setting ? After homing in on those earth shattering improvements, perhaps you could then try some Tantalum, or other exotic resistors at that setting, and let the great unwashed know what they are missing out on ? .
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