[Folsom]

I have been looking at different volume control units, thinking passive may be in my near future (funding up for sale). However everywhere I look people say that every source of volume control sucks.... except the TKD GK-1, and then especially with some trick (found no details) to do a bypass with the Vishay bulk metal foils naked (S102s, not that anyone lists them as that, way cheaper at parts connexion right now than most places).

People say the DACT control goes bad, and Elma and Gold whatever are the same thing. Then everyone else has even more inferior products, and more inferior resistors. What kind of volume control is in things like Mark Levinson, Wadia, $250k units, the expensive stuff? This predicament baffles me. I have heard of transformers being used with large switches but never heard it being the best choice.

[andyr]

I have been looking at different volume control units, thinking passive may be in my near future (funding up for sale). However everywhere I look people say that every source of volume control sucks.... except the TKD GK-1, and then especially with some trick (found no details) to do a bypass with the Vishay bulk metal foils naked (S102s, not that anyone lists them as that, way cheaper at parts connexion right now than most places).

People say the DACT control goes bad, and Elma and Gold whatever are the same thing. Then everyone else has even more inferior products, and more inferior resistors. What kind of volume control is in things like Mark Levinson, Wadia, $250k units, the expensive stuff? This predicament baffles me. I have heard of transformers being used with large switches but never heard it being the best choice.

I bought a 25 Kohm TKD for my GK-1 just over 2 years ago from Michael Percy.  Since then, I believe he's sold out of those but 10K attenuators are still available.  I have also heard of people buying TKDs from a source in Japan ... possibly TKD themselves?

Remember, if you can't get hold of stereo attenuators, you can always use two mono attenuators (if these are available) and discard your balance control.

BTW, I have seen people recommend TVCs as being "the best" ... although I've never seen one - let alone listened to one! 

Regards,

Andy

[Folsom]

TVC's are the ones I have heard complaints about hahaha....

[andyr]

TVCs are the ones I have heard complaints about hahaha....

LOL!    Then you need to get a TKD (or two).  Noone has a bad word about them! 

Regards,

Andy

[*Scotty*]

I have been using DACT pots for over ten years with zero problems and I would not consider using any other volume pot in my DIY projects. It was also one of the factors leading me invest in a Superphon Revelation III preamp. The DACT has been Stone reliable and it sounds very transparent with no compression or grunge with a wide open holographic soundstage.
Scotty

[face]

I have two Goldpoint passives here.  One is the older with Vishay resistors and the other is brand new with their SMT resistors, they both sound fantastic.