Passive Volume Control for DACs/Sources

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Madaboutaudio, Dec 20, 2015.

  1. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Looks really nice! Still once you add the remote and the upgrade options it gets pretty expensive. But I’ve bookmarked it!
     
  2. lcmusiclover

    lcmusiclover Friend

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    I went through the GoldPoint/Hattor/Khozmo/Tortuga/Stereo Knight ... shopping thing. Turns out the Hattor was a good answer for me. w/ remote I paid about $850 for the mini (2 XLR , 1 RCA in & 2 XLR out). Very solid build and shipped in a nice, secure case.

    I've been very happy with it.
     
  3. beemerphile

    beemerphile Friend

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    I have the latest Khozmo with the relay operated 64 step shunt style attenuator; remote; and, 3-input switch (all XLR). It is my 3rd Khozmo and I think Arek is really picking up his game in product sophistication. Quality has always been very good. I wish he would offer a transparent buffer as an option. Here are some shots of my latest one...

    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]

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    Power supply for the remote

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Is there really that much of a difference between relay based stepped attenuators? Is it basically down to resistors?
     
  5. beemerphile

    beemerphile Friend

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    Relay contacts may wear better than mechanical switches, but soundwise, I think that it is equal - given equal quality resistors. However, the remote volume control functionality is markedly better with relays. This control goes to zero when you power it down. The volume knob doesn't have to move with the remote. The volume control is just a shaft encoder. It has no start/stop position, so CCW lowers the volume and CW raises it - from wherever it is.
     
  6. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    Didn't realize the Hattor guy also made volume controls at a lower price point and marketed them as Khozmo. Nice alternative ! Looks like Khozmo was first and both lines use the same materials other than the case. Wonder if he'll keep both going, I presume the Hattor products have the higher margin.
     
  7. beemerphile

    beemerphile Friend

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    I expect that the business results will inform his plans, but audio jewelry sells well.

    Two different customers. Lexus/Toyota. Acura/Honda. Hattor/Khozmo.
     
  8. androxylo

    androxylo Acquaintance

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    A much simpler trick would be to just install a fixed volume autoformer without any switches a bit above the maximum volume you ever need, and then fine tune with regular volume pot. At volume close to max, pots should not damage the sound in any audible way...
     
  9. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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  10. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Hmm I wonder how their EQ stacks up against the Loki mini. All their products have a Schiit kind of vibe to them with a curved plate of aluminum bent to create the enclosure. They just went horizontal instead. And bright red of course.
     
  11. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Ha. I do believe this is mine now. Nice pictures.
     
  12. beemerphile

    beemerphile Friend

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    Yes indeed it is. I hope you are enjoying it. - Lee
     
  13. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    yeah, it's an interesting company that deserves to have some reviews. They have some headphone amps as well. The hybrid could use a comparison with the Vali
     
  14. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    How did you have your Hattor "The Big" configured? I've got a Khozmo being made now, and if I like it, I'd like to explore the Hattor line for my "bigger boy" system.
     
  15. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    I have two of these now, one for headphone amps and one for speakers. One has Amtrans AMRG carbon resistors, one has the Takman Rey resistors. I never did a head-to-head comparison between them and in general listening I haven't hear a difference between them. I suppose I could do that.

    While I still love the units, the later one has had a few QC issues. The power input leads were stuffed but not actually soldered, resulting in the unit losing power when it got warm. And there's another loose lead in there somewhere causing the display to blank out occasionally. Everything else still works so haven't bothered to trace it yet.

    I would still recommend the units, especially if you can find a used one in a config you like.
     
  16. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    Did you buy both used or new?

    Ugh... QC issues for something coming from Poland (or being purchased used) is slightly troubling. Probably one reason I was hesitant to dive in, but took a chance and went with a Khozmo being built in this configuration:

    Inputs: 3xRCA
    Outputs: 2xRCA
    64-step attenuator: YES
    Remote: YES
    Resistors: Vishay Zfoil, TAKMAN Rex
    Color: All Black (knobs, case), w/Dark Wood

    I plan on using it as a pre for a single Vidar in my secondary system.

    I’ll be looking for an alternative to Freya OG in primary system. Freya+ is an option, as is “The Big.”

    Glad to hear they do their jobs well - in spite of QC issues. I’m pretty excited to get mine, but I won’t bug Arek and ask foe status updates unless I hear nothing from him a couple of days after he should have completed it (he quoted 10 days - I’m considering those business days).

    Thanks!
     
  17. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    The one with the QC issues was purchased new through Mockingbird Distribution ( Phillip Holmes ) with the Amtrans AMRG resistors. Looks like Arek is selling them directly on ebay now.

    The other was used purchased here.
     
  18. androxylo

    androxylo Acquaintance

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    Can you please suggest the brand making good rotary switches for DIY projects? I'm looking around $30, not high end. What is hard to get from descriptions is how sturdy it is and how easy to rotate. I expect that if it works I will be turning it back and forth like 10 times a day, so it better be made for heavy use...
     
  19. Cryptowolf

    Cryptowolf Repping Chi Town - Friend

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    I went from a SYS used backwards (1 in 2 out) with the volume knob to the max to a Khozmo passive (3x2). I wanted a transparent switch to from my MAC to Bifrost 2 and a CD player. The two outputs go to a SS and tube headphone amp.

    I picked this up used for $350 and it has fully upgraded resistors. I don’t know how this might effect the sound, but that is what I have. I have noticed no impact on signal quality and keep the attenuator switch around 40 (out of 48). This helps me avoid the areas on the downstream volume knobs where channel imbalance causes problems with my more sensitive headphones.

    Overall I am quite pleased with the build quality and I was able to save some money compared to either a new Khozmo or Goldpoint. I hope this is helpful to others.
     
  20. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    Pleasantly surprised when I swapped my JDS OL Switcher from tv setup to main speaker setup. Really nicely open and detailed with no loss of bass. That using good 1.5 foot RCA ICs on the output to amp. 6 Footer IC changed things noticeably to the downside.

    Since JDS use a 10k pot like Schiit normal quieter listening is right at 9 o'clock. Would like to have more downside range and to have normal listeing more in the noon range.

    Question: Assuming about a 2 volt input to a passive pre, what would be the attenuation impact in db going with higher impedance volume pots like 50k, 100k and higher?
     

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