Tweaker's Asylum

Posted by Mogens on August 04, 1999 at 13:48:38:

In Reply to: Re: Which is the BEST step attenuator posted by DG on August 04, 1999 at 03:00:29:

Hi DG

I do not know the make and part#, but perhaps I can find out. At the moment I only know that they are manufactored in Germany.

I have not heard the two other attenuators and I have never used an ALPS for that matter. But, compaired to Noble and Penny & Giles the DACT attenuator is better. I say this based on my experience that Noble pots tend to wear out faster than I like and starts making noise when you turn the pot, at least my 3 did, and also some of my friends reported this. Penny & Giles do not seem to have this problem, but the two channels are not tracking that good and this can be some what frustrating. Both potentiometers do not seem to be as transparent as the DACT attenuator.

In scandinavia the DACT attenuator is known under the name NLE, which is actually the initials for the name of the guy who designed it.

I like them because the signal path is very short (17.5 cm) and the two channels is very similar which is more than you can say about most potentiometers. They have performed very consistent over the years. I got my first NLE (DACT) attenuator in may 1994.

On the matter of resistors I can only say that I use either Phillips 1% metal film or Roederstein. I have never used Vishay, Holco or Caddock. As to the sonic characteristics, I would not bet that I can tell the difference between any of these resistors. I think you should choose what you believe is the right resistor for you and just use them. Valves and semiconducters are way more unliniar than resistors.

I will bet that others will not agree with me, but this is my opinion. Use it if you can.

Regards,
Mogens