[maxwalrath]

I'm getting a Jolida 202 modified by Bill at Response Audio (who I should mention has been a pleasure to deal with), and I was wondering about getting a DACT stepped attenuator put in for the volume control. Aparantly with the Jolida design the DACT causes a little bit of noise just when the volume is being changed, but that shouldn't be a big deal.

The thing is, there might not be enough room in the small 202 for the DACT. I was wondering, what other types of pots/stepped attenuators have people used out there, and to what degree of success? I just did some searching, and there really are a ton of volume control options.

[macmeech]

Just write the check for whatever Bill recommends.
I find the controls on my Jolida cheaper than I'd like,
but they work fine and I really leave them set in one place most of the time.
 The sound will blow you away. What are you using for speakers?

[maxwalrath]

Meadowlark Vireos at the moment, but I might be looking for something else soon. I'm guessing you have an amp done by Bill?

[macmeech]

Bill was really backed up. Sonicraft sold all the right tweaky parts, so I asked Jeff Glowacki if he would try a 102B. He graciously consented, and we had a really good time. I was a stone newbie to tubes. He returned a fabulous 102B. Upon comparing the mods, they were almost identical to Response Audio.

The Meadowlarks should be more than adequate. I am messing around with DIY to replace my Wharfedales. I am leaning towards Ellis Audio 1801s
kit with cabinets built by Zalytron. I am going to try a .55 cu.ft. design if I can locate a crossover design.

[markC]

I highly recommend the Goldpoint stepped attenuators. Very high quality and very good customer service.

[Bill Baker]

Greetings,
  I have to compare sizes of the DACT with the Noble or Alps Blue. The 202 in question here is an older design with a different circuit board from what is available in today's current models. My "quess" is that it will fit. The Goldpoint attenuators are much larger than even the DACT and will not fit within the chassis of the 202, not even a newer version.
  If this degree of volume control is desired, there is always the option of using an exteranl unit. I have been running my personal Reference 502 in bypass mode for some time to evaluate the sonic merits of some of our preamp modifications. The built-in volume control in my 502 is a 50k TKD which has been performing trouble free for a few years now. Goldpoint has some very good "passive preamps" both as a stand alone volume control or one with full source selection available. In this case, the volume control with the amplifier could be eliminated (the source selector has already been bypassed) or a bypass switch could be installed allowing the option of having both a built in volume control and also running the unit as a power amp using a personal choice of preamps or source components with variable output.

  There are a lot of options out there but very limited to what can be squeeezed into the 202 (forget about the 102 without a faceplate spacer).

He returned a fabulous 102B. Upon comparing the mods, they were almost identical to Response Audio

  So you got the amp back!?!? You thought I had forgotten? I'd be curious to hear you impressions and what exact upgrades Jeff performed. Did he recommend anything in the area of the power supply? Jeff is a very smart and respectable person, especially when it come to capacitors. He is not a "modder" per say and does not really like to do them. I am glad he was able to accomidate you in your time of need and apologize for not being able to bring it in in a timely manner.
  Also, I don't know if we discussd this but when you go to bias the 102B (if I recall, you have the later version with 3 input tubes?), do not go over 25mV. I don'y know how old your manual is but it probably recommends 30mV +/-. My recommendation is 17-20mV. Try 17 first!

 

. I am leaning towards Ellis Audio 1801s

  A great speaker from what I have heard (not personally though) but would consider your listening habbits before pairing the 102B with these speakers. It will drive tham and very nicely so but if you are looking for hard hitting dynamic control............ a little more power [may] be required.

[macmeech]

I am not sure what he did with the power supply. I thought he discussed it with you in an effort to sell you the parts.

 >>Also, I don't know if we discussd this but when you go to bias the 102B (if I recall, you have the later version with 3 input tubes?), do not go over 25mV. I don'y know how old your manual is but it probably recommends 30mV +/-. My recommendation is 17-20mV. Try 17 first! <<

You have a great memory. Actually I have the two input tube model with a damaged corner on the faceplate, a UPS modification caused by poor packing on my part.

Would the same biasing apply? I have had the unit for two months and the sound has been so great, I have not biased it yet. I want to leave well
enough alone, but the day of the inevitable is coming. I haven't been to Radioshack for the voltmeter yet. The directions are clear

It will drive them and very nicely so but if you are looking for hard hitting dynamic control............ a little more power [may] be required.

I am looking for holographic imaging, with a sub to
augment the bass. Actually, my Wharfedale setup
is amazingly good. I have no idea what the insides
of the speakers are, and the info is not available through their website or tech support. But as a true speaker junkie, the grass is always greener.

I could do a Criterion from GR Research to boost the
efficiency with a ribbon, but I am after the Seas Excel W18 (or W22) magnesium woofer. Nobody
makes exactly what I want. I was going to try the 1801 kit in a 14x14x10 cabinet with a modified
crossover. You should definitely listen to a pair.
I would recommend www.salksound.com for either the MBOW1s or the Ellis Audio kit with boxes. He has some made up on spec. He even has your Usher
stuff, which I have not heard. What are you doing for the 4 th of July?

[Bill Baker]

. Actually I have the two input tube model with a damaged corner on the faceplate, a UPS modification caused by poor packing on my part.

  Actually, these would be bias per the manual, I would still stay just shy of the 30mV setting. I also would not wait to long to at least check the bias. If they are running on the high side, it could damage or at least shorten tube life.

  I think UPS is trying to take away our customization business as they have cosmetically modified several pieces for me lately.

  For the 4th, we are having our annual family reunion which we usually have about 100-150 family members attend. Both my wife and I are from large Italian families. The reunion is today and I am just getting ready to leave.

  Later tonight will be funeral arrangements as we were just informed this morining of yet another family death. I will again be backed up a bit as my wife will have to go out of town once again.

 Enjoy your Holiday and be safe!!

[macmeech]

Actually, these would be bias per the manual, I would still stay just shy of the 30mV setting. I also would not wait to long to at least check the bias. If they are running on the high side, it could damage or at least shorten tube life.

  I think UPS is trying to take away our customization business as they have cosmetically modified several pieces for me lately.

  For the 4th, we are having our annual family reunion which we usually have about 100-150 family members attend. Both my wife and I are fr ...

That would be the Chicago connection? How is the out of town branch working for you? It sounds like
a worse nightmare than out of town real estate. Lots of retail customers, I suppose. I have never lived there. Visited Barat College in the late 60's.
Old Towne was cool.

[Bill Baker]

That would be the Chicago connection? How is the out of town branch working for you? It sounds like
a worse nightmare than out of town real estate. Lots of retail customers, I suppose. I have never lived there. Visited Barat College in the late 60's.
Old Towne was cool.

  No, no connection at all between our Chicago location and family in Ohio. My wife has a loy of family in Ohio and it was there that we recently lost 5 year old Anthony. We have lost several family members in a VERY short time period with my wife driving out to Ohio 5 times in the past 8 months.

[macmeech]

That is an incredible amount of funerals to absorb emotionally in such a short period of time.

[Bill Baker]

I agree and that does not include the 4 (I think that's the right number)we have had here in town the past 7 months.