CSI on the volume pot

Mariusz · « **on:** 11 Sep 2010, 04:23 pm »

Hi guys

Case we have on our hands today is the unknown (to me) volume pot.
I am talking to european manufacturer who offers interesting alternatives but

since I'm NOT your typical DIY type, can you help me identify this pot.......... and whatever other info can you provide would be most helpful and appreciated.
Thank you in advence
Mariusz

Mariusz · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 05:52 pm »

it is not a Goldpoint is it

Mariusz · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 05:57 pm »

or is it a CT1 (it looks the same tho)

Poindexter · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 05:45 am »

It's not a pot. It's a discreet series (looks like) attenuator. By the color of the little SMT resistors, a DACT. Manufacturer Danish Audio Connect.

I think.

Poinz
AudioTropic

mgalusha · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 10:07 pm »

Looks like a DACT stepped attenuator to me as well. The connection points are exactly the same as what DACT use. I like the Gold Point better, they seem to sound better, better resistors perhaps as the both use ELMA switches.

Mariusz · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 11:45 pm »

Thank you guys

I considered trying something else but from what I gathered from various sources is that DACT stuff is well regarded, build and received by DIY community.
However, in the next few weeks, I should receive two 20k attenuators from Khozmo Acoustic. One SMD and the other Dale.

The easiest way to hear these two will be to swap the volume pots in my B1 buffer and use these instead.

Here is their website: www.Khozmo.com

thanks again

Mariusz

face · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 01:29 am »

I would compare both by themselves as passives.

Mariusz · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:26 am »

Can someone explain the basic differences between SMD and Dale?

Any help on building a simple passive.
Mariusz

JohnR · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:41 am »

I think Dale is just the brand of resistor -

Quote

Resistors: Vishay/Dale RN55 1% 100ppm , 1/8W, low noise, non-inductive, metal film

SMD = surface mount device.

Those are nice looking attenuators, almost too nice to be put in a box! From the page it looks like the SMD ones are ladder type and the others are a shunt type. Shunt type has variable input impedance and some loss at max volume (well, usually.. their page doesn't say so though).

JohnR · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:46 am »

Here's some info on the different attenuator types (pages 51-54)

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=juoUnezDlyUC&lpg=PA53&ots=UbZmz5Y8pr&dq=shunt%20attenuator&pg=PA51#v=onepage&q=shunt%20attenuator&f=false

galyons · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:50 am »

SMD = surface mount device, a form of miniature components.

Dale is a brand name of Vishay resistors.

Two mutually exclusive concepts.

Resistors can be "through the hole" discrete components or SMD. Both can be used to build a stepped attenuator. SMD's would be soldered to a PC Board. Through the hole can be used with pc boards or wired point-to-point.

Lot's of info on the web for study.

http://diyparadise.com/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=26
http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~nroberts/article57.pdf

How To Make A Passive Preamplifier!
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/899/dactct1.htm
Cheers,
Geary

Quote from: Mariusz on 13 Sep 2010, 04:26 am

Can someone explain the basic differences between SMD and Dale?

Any help on building a simple passive.
Mariusz

face · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:51 am »

I've heard arguments from both sides on SMD vs. traditional DALE type resistors. Some say SMD's are more transparent, meanwhile others claim old style stepped attenuators are more transparent and companies are switching to SMD's to save money. I haven't made a direct comparison between the two, but either will be more transparent than your typical Alps volume pot.

Mariusz · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:53 am »

John, Geary, Face thanks again.
Trying to get my feet wet in this DIY business.

Mariusz

Mariusz · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Sep 2010, 04:58 am »

Quote

Those are nice looking attenuators, almost too nice to be put in a box! From the page it looks like the SMD ones are ladder type and the others are a shunt type. Shunt type has variable input impedance and some loss at max volume (well, usually.. their page doesn't say so though).

Ill take some pictures ones they come in John. This stuff does look nice indeed.
It wasn't my idea but the owner's to send both types to test/try. Since they are both from the same manufacturer, it should be interesting to see/hear the differences between two approaches.

Mariusz