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Ladder stepped attenuator downsides please

hello,
I like to know if there is any "hidden" disadvantage on use a ladder stepped attenuator vs a series stepped att. I mean, it is an obvious thing that on ladder type there is only 2 resistors + 2 contacts through the signal path on each channel and on the series there are 42 (evaluating to get a 41 steps att.) resistors + 1 contact on each channel across the signal path. Both types preserve the impedance.
The Ladder use 1% metal resistors and silver contacts, series use non-inductive SMD resistors and silver contacts.
From the sound point of view, one might think that the ladder type, due to have less components on the signal path sounds more pure, but have the double of all mechanical parts and a good rule almost always is "keep it simple". On the other hand, if the SMD resistors are transparent enough maybe there is not that big sonic difference. I am only guessing as I have never used one of this. So I will appreciate a lot any comments from those who have had experience with both types. The cost is no object for one of this two options. Please don't offer me other possibilities; I would like to evaluate only this two.
Best regards


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Topic - Ladder stepped attenuator downsides please - beto1 17:56:34 08/13/15 (37)

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