WTF is an "Input Attenuator?"

[Early B.]

I hooked my CDP up to my receiver a few days ago and every now and then I got static. I thought it was the tube vibrating in the CDP, so I opened her up and put some rubber band thingys around the tube. Today I hooked the CDP up again and got the same static. This time I noticed the word, "OVER" flashing on the display of my receiver. I checked the manual and it said it referred to the input attentuator -- it needed to be reduced because the analog signal is too high and it would cause distortion. So I turned on the attenuator and the static disappeared. It also muffled the sound a little.

WTF is an input attenuator? Was the signal from my CDP too "loud?" If so, why wouldn't the volume control correct the problem?

Thanks.

[Sami]

WTF is an input attenuator? Was the signal from my CDP too "loud?"

Correct. It's caused by too high gain.

If so, why wouldn't the volume control correct the problem?

Because the input circuitry isn't designed to handle that much gain. Have you ever tried to connect CDP to phono input? Don't. :)

[hearingimpared]

Attenuator on my Spectral preamp is just another word for volume control.

[zombie boy 2000]

Look into Rothwell attenuators. They're a fairly easy fix if you find the gain to be too high from either your source or preamp for a highly sensitive amp.

Only downside is that some people on other forums have commented on the Rothwell's producing somewhat of a "veil" over the music -- although a very slight one.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1168785088

[hearingimpared]

I just read the gon write up. IMO this product is not much different if at all than the mute switch on a preamp. My mute switch lowers the volume by 20db. This product "mutes" by 10db at the input source of the pre in at all times. I would have to think that it would change the way the music is reproduced and would have to sound veiled if not a heavy curtain. Just my opinion.

I looked up input attenuation in the user manual of my Spectral preamp...there is an input attenuation pot on the tape in jacks on the circuit board. It can be adjusted up or down to accomodate different input sources such as varying tape decks, tuners, etc. Maybe there is one on yours. If it isn't in the user manual, try the service manual.

I would buy Rothwell attenuator only if there were a 30 day money back guarantee.

[Early B.]

I'm just gonna play music through my DVD player until my pre arrives.

When I turned on the input attenuator in the receiver, it compressed the dynamics so much that the DVD player now sounds better than my tube CDP.

[amulford]

Does the CDP have a variable out?

[Early B.]

Does the CDP have a variable out?

I don't think so, but it has two pair of outputs -- one for tubes and the other is SS. I suppose I can try the SS output and see if it causes the same attentuation problem.

[heiney9]

I just read the gon write up. IMO this product is not much different if at all than the mute switch on a preamp. My mute switch lowers the volume by 20db. This product "mutes" by 10db at the input source of the pre in at all times. I would have to think that it would change the way the music is reproduced and would have to sound veiled if not a heavy curtain. Just my opinion.


The thing to note is input gain is measured in volts not db's. So this type of device won't solve his problem. The input will still be overloaded, but the output will be 10db's lower. Apparently the 2 pieces of electronics are not compatible without a pre-amp inbetween.

Now maybe I misunderstood, but by muting do you mean reducing the input voltage. Actually I've never heard of input muting. Reducing the gain w/o reducing voltage won't solve the problem.