Is there a better type optional level control for the ST120 available? Would like to find a stepper type control if one exists. I know it might not fit in the chassis, but I've wired my level control outboard so I have plenty of room
4 posters
Stepper Type Level Control available???
Rbertalotto- Posts : 98
Join date : 2021-02-25
Rbertalotto- Posts : 98
Join date : 2021-02-25
vtshopdog- Posts : 155
Join date : 2015-07-11
Location : UT, USA
If you want to spend big $$$ gold point attenuators are very nice:
https://goldpt.com/index.html
I’ve also had pretty good luck with affordable ($15-20 per channel) Chinese stepped attenuators sold on eBay. The ones I’ve used have multiple surface mount resistors and decent wipers. No static and half a decade in they still sound good. It’s been a few years since I bought one but seemed like there were many vendors selling the same part and very reasonably priced. Type in “dact stepped attenuator” for search term and maybe spend some time reviewing feedback.
https://goldpt.com/index.html
I’ve also had pretty good luck with affordable ($15-20 per channel) Chinese stepped attenuators sold on eBay. The ones I’ve used have multiple surface mount resistors and decent wipers. No static and half a decade in they still sound good. It’s been a few years since I bought one but seemed like there were many vendors selling the same part and very reasonably priced. Type in “dact stepped attenuator” for search term and maybe spend some time reviewing feedback.
Rbertalotto- Posts : 98
Join date : 2021-02-25
Anyone know the impedance of the attenuator? And I believe it is a simple three contacts per channel?
AmpedUp- Posts : 36
Join date : 2019-10-26
Location : Kansas City
eBay would be cheaper, but here are some 8 ohm attenuators from a respected company.
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/l-pads-attenuators/
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/l-pads-attenuators/
Bob Latino- Admin
- Posts : 3277
Join date : 2008-11-26
Location : Massachusetts
Rbertalotto wrote:Anyone know the impedance of the attenuator? And I believe it is a simple three contacts per channel?
The impedance on the VTA stepped attenuator for the ST-120 is 100,000 ohms. You can buy a stepped attenuator right off the web page at the link below.
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/amps.htm
Bob
Rbertalotto- Posts : 98
Join date : 2021-02-25
Thanks Bob...That is the level control that I currently have....Is it a true multiple resistor stepped potentiometer? I thought it was a simple wipe type with detents?
(Hey, I thought you retired!..... :-)
(Hey, I thought you retired!..... :-)
Bob Latino- Admin
- Posts : 3277
Join date : 2008-11-26
Location : Massachusetts
Rbertalotto wrote:Thanks Bob...That is the level control that I currently have....Is it a true multiple resistor stepped potentiometer? I thought it was a simple wipe type with detents?
(Hey, I thought you retired!..... :-)
No - The VTA stepped attenuator has separate SMD (Surface Mount Design) multiple resistors. See close up photo below with the dust shield removed. This attenuator is NOT a wipe design with detents.
Bob
Rbertalotto- Posts : 98
Join date : 2021-02-25
I had no idea...This is great news! Saved me time and money! Surprised I didn't notice this when I installed it.
Bob Latino- Admin
- Posts : 3277
Join date : 2008-11-26
Location : Massachusetts
Rbertalotto wrote:I had no idea...This is great news! Saved me time and money! Surprised I didn't notice this when I installed it.
Hi Roy,
These VTA stepped attenuators normally have the dust shield in place and you can't see the resistors. I removed the dust shield from one of them just to confirm that they use SMD ladder resistors inside.
Bob