How to attenuate source so amp has more volume play??

[JimP]

OK I've gotten off the binge & purge wagon, and have settled in with 840c/Almarro/K1000 as my main rig (and Earmax AE for other phones like HD650). Now my main system is pretty much perfect (to me) except for one annoying thing:

840c is fixed out RCA to the Almarro integrated amp. Even with low 5wpc output of the amp and the K1000, I can only use the volume knob up to about 9 o'clock before it's too loud (maybe a bit more for classical/opera). That is, very limited range of volume knob. I wish the 840c had some kind of variable out option, then I could optimize so the amp volume can turn to, say, 10-12 o'clock.

Is there some device, like a passive line attenuator, even a passive line pre-amp, that I can put between source and amp, so that I can achieve relatively higher volume knob play? Obviously without sound/signal degradation.

Not sure if the above question makes sense, but I would really appreciate any input. Or should I just live with it?

[JimP]

correction: it's more like 8 o'clock on the volume before its too loud...

[n_maher]

Without signal degradation is going to be the kicker. Honestly, the only good cure is to find a source with either a good built in preamp or live with the possibility that an inline attenuator is going to potentially degrade the signal slightly.

[luvdunhill]

ear plugs?

[justin]

Just use 2 resistors as a voltage divider (attenuator). A lot of amps have similar things in the signal path in addition to the volume control, before and/or after the volume control. You're not going to get more than 0.000001% distortion, just pick appropriate value resistors based on the source's output impedance, not too low and not too high

[JimP]

How about something like this: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0803/rothwell.htm

[n_maher]

How about something like this: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0803/rothwell.htm

Probably exactly what you need and they aren't horrifically expensive.

[JimP]

or maybe these puppies: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html

may give it a shot...

[aardvark baguette]

or maybe these puppies: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html

Those are clearly kittens.

[Pars]

Justin FTW!

These http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html look nice, but you could do what you need to do with not even 4 resistors, but 2, one in series with each channel, for $0.40 apiece for nice resistors (PRP, Holco, etc.). Yes, you would want to probably solder these into the Almarro, right before the volume pot if you could. The pot will provide the resistance to ground required.

[luvdunhill]

Justin FTW!

These http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html look nice, but you could do what you need to do with not even 4 resistors, but 2, one in series with each channel, for $0.40 apiece for nice resistors (PRP, Holco, etc.). Yes, you would want to probably solder these into the Almarro, right before the volume pot if you could. The pot will provide the resistance to ground required.

still impacts the signal path. My suggestion of ear plugs was the only one that keeps as pure as possible signal path, so there!

[n_maher]

Now about the transmission path...

[Dusty Chalk]

still impacts the signal path. My suggestion of ear plugs was the only one that keeps as pure as possible signal path, so there!

Yeah, but ear plugs still color the sound -- quite a bit more than any interconnect or resistor will.

[luvdunhill]

Yeah, but ear plugs still color the sound -- quite a bit more than any interconnect or resistor will.

I think Nate got my point...

[Beefy]

These perhaps? http://www.goldenjacks.com/

The sales pitch is 100% pure audiophile grade bolonium...... but the reality is that they are very nice voltage dividers at a reasonable price. I've got a few sets of the -6dB model.

[Beefy]

the name goldenjacks seems slightly skeevy to me....

They are the same thing as the Rothwell attenuators, only without the extortionate pricetag. Two good resistors in a nice RCA plug/socket.

[JimP]

We have bush! thanks beefy, I think I'll go for these. I ping'ed the guy selling the 'shotgun' ones and he says he's currently developing newer version, but I don't really need variable attenuation and don't want to wait. Skeevy is ok, as long the goldennuggets work. Question is, should I go for -10, -14, or -20? Again with K1000's, I'm only going around 8 o'clock before it's too loud.

(As an aside, I just tried my new (to me) DT880-600ohm straight out of Almarro HP jack -- sounds great! but even with 600ohm, I'm around 8 o'clock on the vol. dial. so now doubly motivated to get this attenuation thing worked out)

maybe I'll go -20 and make sure he allows me to return to go down if necessary.

[Beefy]

Question is, should I go for -10, -14, or -20? Again with K1000's, I'm only going around 8 o'clock before it's too loud.

If you can find the lineout voltage and input impedance of your amp, then drop him an email and ask. He should be able to calculate the best set for your needs.

In any case, I personally suspect that the -20 would be too much. The -6dB does literally give 50% volume at the same pot setting for me - I tested by putting a jack on one channel only, listening, then switching it over.

[JimP]

the goldenjacks guy was extremely helpful, he went out of his way to research the 840c and Almarro on his own. I put an order in for a -14dB set.

[Beefy]

Good stuff. Let us know how it all turns out!

[Smeggy]

I should probably get some of these too, I'm in the same 8 o'clock situation, and that's with the 'low' output setting on my amp with the Staxes!

[swt61]

Cool solution! I hope they work well. Let us know.

[JimP]

OK I just got these goldenjacks, -14 dB version, so far they seem to do the trick. I'm not a cable/plug freak but these are the nicest plugs I've ever seen:

Before I was severely limited with my volume knob from 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock (very annoying). Now I can go to about 10 o'clock on the K1000, and 9 o'clock on the DT880-600ohm - a bit more with classical music (maybe I should have gone with the -20 dB version?). Tried it on my Bryston B60R as well, and gives me a lot more volume control play with the HD650 (may order another set for the B60R). Does it degrade/alter sound? I don't know/I can't tell/I'm not going to obsess over it. Will report back after some longterm listen. BTW, the goldenjack dude is very helpful. [YMMV, the 'culprit in my system is the 840C - a wonderful DAC and CD player - CD player mode severely restricts my volume levels compared to DAC only]

[JimP]

Also I will add that now I can use the DT880-600ohm effectively out of the Almarro, this is quite an amazing combo - huge soundstage, fulsome sound, no sibilance, tons of detail (better than out of my Earmax AE). Yes, the K1000 may better it, but the gap is pretty narrow. These goldenjacks are worth it, if only in elevating my DT880-600ohm. Right now 70% of my listening is DT880-600ohm, 20% K1000, 10% HD650. [Do not mistake these DT880-600ohm with other DT880 versions]

[dc]

Just read this post now, WoW they do look good.

Could probably whip something up DIY but this looks a lot neater