[Tabascosauce]

The great GK-1M build starts very soon.

A preamp as good as this deserves a good knob!!

It will be in a bog standard black aluminium rack case.  However, I am planing to get the front plate professionally engraved, which should have the effect of making the front lettering a metallic/silver colour.

I'd like to put some good looking chrome knobs on the front.  This should look quite spectacular against the black background, and with the metallic/silver lettering.  My usual local DIY suppliers only stock average looking brushed aluminium knobs.

So, anybody know of a good source to provide a touch of audio jewellry to a DIY'er?

[Felipe]

DACT knobs - stainless steel knobs with unbelievable good looks. Quite exotic ( expensive ! ).

http://www.dact.com/html/knobs.html

Several companies have their products. I dont know where are you located.

all the best
Felipe

[andyr]

My GK-1 is, similarly, in a standard black Altis rack-mount case but I used Audionote gold-plated knobs for the volume and balance pots.

See here: http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/chassisandknobs.html

Not outrageously priced ... but if you want "audio jewellery", you need to do what I have just done and lash out on the TKD stepped attenuator/Vishay S102s from Michael Percy (as recommended by DSK!  ).  As you say "a preamp as good as this deserves the best!!" 

Regards,

Andy

[Seano]

If you want a chrome knob then I'd suggest that you buy one or more of those cheap alloy knobs then take them down to your nearest electroplating shop and they will chrome them up (or even gold plate them) for probably way cheaper than you can buy, import or custom make audio jewellery.

I just use the basic brushed alloy knob........no special finishes yet.

[Tabascosauce]

Thanks for the links.  They are some fine looking knobs.

I thought that Hugh had carefully designed the GK-1 to reduce a lot of the problems surrounding the use of potentiometers.  I get the impression that because of this, the use of an expensive attenuator is a very marginal upgrade considering the price.

Any thoughts?

[andyr]

I thought that Hugh had carefully designed the GK-1 to reduce a lot of the problems surrounding the use of potentiometers.  I get the impression that because of this, the use of an expensive attenuator is a very marginal upgrade considering the price.

Any thoughts?

That's what I thought until I read this thread, just below (particularly DSK's post!  ):
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=29471.0

Regards,

Andy

[Rom]

Hi Tabascosauce,

How about totally DIY like mine.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=442&pos=11

Cheers
Rom

[Tabascosauce]

Hi Tabascosauce,

How about totally DIY like mine.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=442&pos=11

Cheers
Rom

Rom,

That is very nice work.

[JoshK]

My favorite knobs that I have found are here.  A tiny bit expensive but not like the DACT ones and nicer IMO.  They are just under an inch (~7/8" iirc) and solid aluminum.  I have a couple and recently ordered more. 

The seller also have a ton of other knobs to choose from, if those are not your style.

HTH,
Josh

[DSK]

Some nice knobs here ... http://www.thlaudio.com/indexE.htm

[Gordy]

I've always been partial to wooden knobs and had some very nice Ebony with Sugar Gum inlay knobs made to match a Sugar Gum and Ebony facia by AC'er Some Young Guy @ Thingamaknobs... http://pages.sbcglobal.net/quackfat/_wsn/page4.html

[SamL]

This URL was posted here sometime ago by a member.
Nice & not too expensive. Too bad they don't carry the gold colour knob any more.

http://www.vt4c.com/shop/program/main.php?cat_id=6&group_id=2&hit_cat=

Have fun,
Sam

[Frihed91]

Standard on all Blue Circle products are wood knobs!

[Ian]

For gold coloured knobs I turned up some on a metal lathe out 35mm brass rod. They can be electroplated but I just polished and applied a clear automotive lacquer. The mass of these knobs gives a wonderful "heft"

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=293

Ian

[Tabascosauce]

Ian,

That is beautiful work

Did you incorporate the phono stage?

If so, what are your impressions?

I also note that your transformers don't seem to have any internal shielding.  Do you have any hum problems?

[AKSA]

Ian,

Absolutely magnificent!!  I've complimented your work before, Ian, but somehow it just glows!!

Paul,

Yes, Ian has the phono, good man to ask, and he's a bikey like me, too.  A couple of years ago he rode from Tassy all the way up to North Queensland on his BMW.......  now that takes stamina!!

Cheers,

Hugh

[Ian]

Hi Paul
As Hugh has indicated I do have the phono stage and I prefer it to the last phono stage I made up which would have taken up more than half this chassis!! It is quick clean and musical (with my Garrott Decca) and as others have noted on this forum even seems to dealt with the "clicks an pops" in a not so obtrusive manner.
Hum ........I did have some initial hum issues with this set up. I do have sheet metal between the trannies and the pcb's but as yet have not fully enclosed the trannies. All signal wires are now shielded and the mains link from one side of the chassis to the other passes through a steel pipe under the main pcb. You may have noticed an extra trannie and rectification parts in the "semi shielded" sections ... this is to switch my remote monoblocs ....more convenient for me than switching in 3 separate locations.....
 At line level this preamp is wonderfully quiet at all volume settings...on phono this is also true at normal listening levels but not at high volume settings and I have not sat at a bench to finish the job ... but your query may be the prompt I need to complete the task. Fully shielding the trannies is one option that will be trialled  ...I have been a little distracted with enjoying the said BMW, building 2 units and currently completing a plywood composite sea kayak!
 The kayak has to be totally water tight and complete before launch..................

[mcgsxr]

Glad to find a few guys with German bikes too!  1989 K100RS at present, first year with the ABS, one of the first 10 imported into Canada - this one was ridden by the owner of the dealership, in Germany, and then shipped back with him!

[Tabascosauce]

Thanks Ian, most helpful.

The kayak has to be totally water tight and complete before launch..................

Yes, I'd also be giving this priority over a bit of hum