AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Niteshade Audio => Topic started by: Niteshade on 24 Feb 2011, 03:15 am

Title: Passive preamps: Attenuators
Post by: Niteshade on 24 Feb 2011, 03:15 am
I have a line of attenuators that work exceptionally well with either tube or solid state amplifiers that are ridiculously inexpensive.  :duh:

The input impedance remains relatively constant throughout the volume range on the input, making the source completely burden free. The input impedance is 100K and this is a completely resistive load. There is nothing within my attenuators which can add or modify the incoming audio from a source. By default, they are 100% noise-free as well.

Applications? Amplifiers, either tube or solid-state with high gain inputs. If you have sensitive speakers and an amp with a "hot" input, one of our passives will be a fantastic upgrade. So far there have been no unsatisfied customers and no synergy issues. One of my customers has ordered THREE of them! They are inexpensive, but work well beyond their price point. All wiring is still point to point, even at the starting price of $75.00 for a single input passive. Add $25.00 for a dual input. More inputs are available. You will have a choice of a toggle or rocker switch for the inputs on the two input model. Three or more inputs use a rotary switch. You may also select a knob type.

These are also great as a means of getting more range out of your present preamp's volume control if you do not have enough range and for precisely quieting down high output sources.
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: jtwrace on 24 Feb 2011, 03:18 am
remote?
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: Niteshade on 24 Feb 2011, 03:31 am
A remote isn't a bad upgrade idea- but it can not be done at the moment due to most remote volume controls using components unsuitable for my design. I will have to work on this one...
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Mar 2011, 03:26 am
Interesting !  Seems they work fine in a tubes power amp.  Any picture ?
Gustavo

> Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the street. On the streets pets live only two years average.
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: bigjppop on 2 Mar 2011, 08:57 am
I'd be very interested in something like this as well; especially with a remote!  For many this could completely remove the need of a preamp.
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: Niteshade on 2 Mar 2011, 02:11 pm
These passives work perfectly with tube and transistor amps. In many cases they do take the place of a preamp and do it very well. In fact, if it always seems like you have too little travel in your volume control, this can be the answer.

Here is a photo of a basic one input model:
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1276527941798/Home/preamplifiers/passive1-small.jpg)
The front knob can be changed. This customer wanted a chicken head style.

A remote option is not a bad idea- but I have to find one that is suitable.
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: jtwrace on 2 Mar 2011, 02:41 pm
The ALPS Remote is really hard to beat imo.

http://bentaudio.com/index2.html
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: FullRangeMan on 2 Mar 2011, 09:27 pm
Hello Niteshade,
I was thinking it was just a pot that you put into the power amp, you do the full service.
This chicken knob looks great, very old fashioned...
Gustavo

> Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the street. On the streets pets live only two years average.
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: HT cOz on 3 Mar 2011, 06:16 pm
I'm a little confused do these include the enclosure?
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: Niteshade on 4 Mar 2011, 01:45 am
All attenuators are in a 5"x7"x2" (WxLxH) enclosure, unless a larger one has to be used.

I'm a little confused do these include the enclosure?
Title: Re: A little known secret: Our Attenuators!
Post by: Niteshade on 4 Mar 2011, 01:45 am
That's a good looking unit!

The ALPS Remote is really hard to beat imo.

http://bentaudio.com/index2.html