Passive volume attenuator

rce

New Member
Jan 18, 2011
44
0
0
Perth, Western Australia
Hi Tom.
Im new to this forum (my first post). I am currently trialing a good passive volume attenuator...the Yamaha YPC-1, originally had it paired with matching MX-D1. A very dynamic and powerful class D amp with a PWM design.
However, I have gone back to class A/B in the form of the rediculously well priced Emotiva XPA-2 for two channel listening and XPA-3 for surround.
What are your thoughts and experiances regarding passive volume control?
My current set sounds very transparent to my ears but I understand there may be an issue with loss of dynamics at both ends of the scale? I have kept my high quality interconnects to 1 metre in length and my source (oppo 83 SE with Nuforce edition and numerous other mods including AC bybees) seems to be outputting enough grunt...at least 2v.
I was going to invest in a hi-end preamp, but common sence tells me this simple solution has a lot of merit, not to mention cost savings?
Your thoughts and experiances will be most appreciated.
 

Speedskater

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2010
941
15
368
Cleveland Ohio
You don't even need a high-tech meter if you have some self discipline, some ingenuity and can do some math. Make a chart of the output voltages and frequencies from your source. Keep track of the meter range setting. You might have to attenuate or amplify some frequencies, if keep track of every thing. It's more work and more chance of error but it's very doable.
 

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