Passive attenuator kit

I know Bob Latino offers a stepped attenuator add on for the ST-70/ST-120. I'd like to use a passive attenuator, but I need something external so I can use it with other gear in addition to my ST-70. I am aware of Goldpoint attenuators and similar products, but can anyone suggest a more reasonably priced, good quality DIY kit that would offer a similar level of performance. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

Check out EBay item #320494446742. It's a 100KΩ, 21-step log taper attenuator, a copy of a design by ALPS.

DISCLAIMER: I have nothing to do with this EBay seller.

Check out Scott Endler's stepped attenuators.I have had a pair for over a year, they are top quality at a good price.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/

I've been also looking for a passive Pre-Amp (external) such as this... The one Bob posted is pretty much exactly like the one I'd like... the only change I'd like would be a remote control feature.

I'm talking to Maple Tree Audio (Lloyd) about doing one for me. this would have a •DACT stepped attenuator (100K) with Bent Audio motorized control. This will be spendy... Bent audio is not too cheap.

I'd like to have my amp in close proximity to the CD play, Digital Cable TV converter box... etc.. And this passive preamp... So a remote to control the atenuator would be nice!

Good luck on the search.

Bob Latino wrote:Just to clear something up ... That stepped attenuator mentioned is an "Alps type" attenuator but it is not an attenuator "by ALPS" as GP49 has suggested.

Bob

IMHO, I don't think GP49 meant to imply that the attenuator was "by ALPS", but that the design was by ALPS and was copied by whomever produced this product.

Best Regards,
Charlie

OK, thanks for all the info. As I did into this topic I'm beginning to understand that there are a trillion ways to skin the passive preamp cat. Interestingly, there seem to be few suppliers for good quality stepped attenuators (Elma, Dact, Goldpoint) and that many of the kit options I have looked at are super expensive, or come from overseas, or both.

Hi,
Although not a kit...Check out the Axiom line of passive preamps offered by
Luminous Audio Technology. www.luminousaudio.com

These are made here in the USA...I like that and I have used their products with
pleasing results.

Kevin @ Dynakit

DynakitParts wrote:

Kevin @ Dynakit

Speaking of preamps, Kevin when do you project the PAS chassis' will be available for sale?

Hi Luddite,
I just completed all the CAD drawings on Friday & released the order for the
sheet metal. Power transformer prototype is in production and face plate screen artwork
(2) styles is done. This has been one hell of a project with many hours of engineering.

To answer your question....I expect to have this product available by May 2011.

Please buy one...I will have (50) units available.

Regards,

Kevin @ Dynakit

DynakitParts wrote:
Hi,
Although not a kit...Check out the Axiom line of passive preamps offered by
Luminous Audio Technology. www.luminousaudio.com

These are made here in the USA...I like that and I have used their products with
pleasing results.

Kevin @ Dynakit

I looked at those and that might be just the ticket. Seems like the really good stepped attenuators push the price of most good passive preamps too high. I am interested in how the Axiom units shunt the signal avoiding passing the signal through the attenuator allowing the use of an Alps type unit. I wish I understood this better because this makes me wonder why anyone would ever not do this in any attenuator application, conventional or stepped? I also like the fact that each unit is custom tailored to your your system - it does not get any better than that! Oh, and dead cheap also. In this hobby that is significant. Thanks for the info on this.

I'm going to do a build... I'm not seeing much sold that is what I want. I think Lloyd of Maple Tree will do it but it would be spendy.


I'm going to build using a DACT Attenuator from -
DACT CT2 100k Attenuator

Then get this for the remote control of the Attenuator -
BENT Attenuator Remote

Then it is the audio select source switch... Generic Gold RCA connectors... A nice box

I've built a lightspeed and love it.
Read about it here:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/80194-lightspeed-attenuator-new-passive-preamp.html

Buy a kit here:

http://www.buildanamp.com/