Attenuated -14dB - huh????

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
6

6th.replicant

Well-known member
Oct 26, 2007
294
0
18,890
Just taken delivery of some Kimber Silver Streak Attenuated -14dB interconnects, which I won on eBay. Using the SSs with my TT, now, but whereas I normally have the amp's volume at 42-ish clicks, with the Kimber SS I'm having to crank it up to 60, otheriwse I hear now't. [:|] I assume that this need for extra volume is related to the 'Attenuated -14dB' aspect? If so, what's it all about and what's the benefit? Ta [🙂] PS Happy Christmas to all [<😱)]
 
In your case, where your gear is from the same manufacturer and therefore presumably well balanced, none whatsoever.
 
6th.replicant:Just taken delivery of a some Kimber Silver Streak Attenuated -14dB interconnects, which I won on eBay.

Using the SSs with my TT, now, but whereas I normally have the amp's volume at 42-ish clicks, with the Kimber SS I'm having to crank it up to 60, otheriwse I hear now't.
emotion-8.gif


I assume that this need for extra volume is related to the 'Attenuated -14dB' aspect? If so, what's it all about and what's the benefit?

Ta
emotion-1.gif


PS Happy Christmas to all
emotion-19.gif


I'm not sure but I think it's supposed to be aimed at cd player to amp.
 
Yes, that's right. If the output from your CD player is too high it can cause your amp to distort, so attenuators lower the signal. That's why I'd doubt whether you'd have any benefit, given its all Arcam.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
 
Yes, TTs are relatively low output (compared to CDP) so they have no need for attenuation. Attenuators are for CDP>AMP.

Try the interconnects in that configuration. You will have to turn the volume further up to get your normal listening volume. You may well find that the sound opens up. If not, chuck 'em back on e-bay. I doubt you'll get less than you paid for them.

Merry Christmas.
 
So, hang on, you bought something with no idea of what it was for?

They're for people who don't feel they get the best from their amplifier because they can't turn the volume up far enough to get the amp into its sweet spot, so you lower the input from your source so you need to turn the amp up more.
 
I think your Arcam amp has adjustable input trim anyway my diva A85 does, so no need for attenuated interconnects really. As others have said only need them if your cd player output is high.

Merry xmas.

ps see page 11 of your A38 manual on how to adjust input trim.
 
the_lhc: They're for people who don't feel they get the best from their amplifier because they can't turn the volume up far enough to get the amp into its sweet spot, so you lower the input from your source so you need to turn the amp up more.

That's how I wanted to put it, but the Glenfiddich in me wouldn't let me. I pretty much just dribbled all over the keyboard for my answer.
 
bretty:
the_lhc: They're for people who don't feel they get the best from their amplifier because they can't turn the volume up far enough to get the amp into its sweet spot, so you lower the input from your source so you need to turn the amp up more.

That's how I wanted to put it, but the Glenfiddich in me wouldn't let me. I pretty much just dribbled all over the keyboard for my answer.

I live to serve my lord...
 
the_lhc:So, hang on, you bought something with no idea of what it was for?They're for people who don't feel they get the best from their amplifier because they can't turn the volume up far enough to get the amp into its sweet spot, so you lower the input from your source so you need to turn the amp up more.Never heard this before. Are you sure? It seems odd amp manufacturers haven't worked this out. Also, what happens when an amp uses a stepped attenuator as volume control, such as Densen?

Anyway, merry christmas!
 
the_lhc:So, hang on, you bought something with no idea of what it was for? ...
I bought them for their 'bright' open sound because my amp/speakers were selected to make my CDP's playback sound like vinyl, which, in turn, makes my TT sound too bass-heavy and lacking in top-end detail.

Hence, the Kimber SSs are hooked up my TT - and have indeed achieved the prime objective.

This particular set was on eBay - I 'won' 'em for £57, which is a shilling or two less than Russ Andrews' c. £150 rrp - so this beggar couldn't be choosy re their Attenuated -14dB spec.

OK, so in other words, cranking the volume up to 60 isn't damaging the amp(s). Cool.

Thanks to all for feedback.
emotion-1.gif
 
6th.replicant:Ooo, an instruction book, never looked at one of those before - I guess there's a 1st-time for everything, eh?

Don't start now!

It can lead to flower arranging and an interest in male fashions & grooming and musicals.

Real men throw instructions away because they have ancient and instinctive abilities to fix anything technical by thumping it hard and swearing at the manufacturer on the phone.
 
chebby:
6th.replicant:Ooo, an instruction book, never looked at one of those before - I guess there's a 1st-time for everything, eh?

Don't start now!

It can lead to flower arranging and an interest in male fashions & grooming and musicals.

Real men throw instructions away because they have ancient and instinctive abilities to fix anything technical by thumping it hard and swearing at the manufacturer on the phone.

Too late! I read the whole manual...
emotion-8.gif


Consequently, I've just subscribed to this:
menshealth.jpg


And I'm frantically Googling for a BD of this:
tumblr_kxnx2pNGIy1qb2y2oo1_500.jpg
 
Glad you like the Ic's anyway, they are very detailed and revealing. Just select phono and turn your input trim up to +8 and you should not have to turn your volume control up as much.
 
jiggyjoe:Glad you like the Ic's anyway, they are very detailed and revealing. Just select phono and turn your input trim up to +8 and you should not have to turn your volume control up as much.
I know, I just read the manual.
emotion-15.gif


But thanks anyway.
emotion-1.gif


Now I'm tucking into the Dyson's instruction book - ooo, I never realised it could do so many extra things, it also seems that it's not necessary to push it around while it's bolt upright...
emotion-4.gif
 
bretty:
the_lhc: They're for people who don't feel they get the best from their amplifier because they can't turn the volume up far enough to get the amp into its sweet spot, so you lower the input from your source so you need to turn the amp up more.

That's how I wanted to put it, but the Glenfiddich in me wouldn't let me. I pretty much just dribbled all over the keyboard for my answer.
hahaha classic Bretty, when ive had a few a can barely read what people are saying nevermind reply.

Merry Christmas mate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom