Stepped attenuators

[sucks2beme]

Is there a difference using a stepped attenuator over an Alps
for volume control? Other than perfect balance between channels,
is there a sonic improvement? There are many who say there is, but
I would prefer to hear it from a Polkie. I'm looking at about $150
for one from Goldpoint.

[GV#27]

I don't know how much better it will sound in compaison to an Alps conductive plastic pot,but using a top quality switch and premium resistors certainly is the purest way to do a volume control.As you mention you will get perfect balance where as even excellent pots like the Alps can be as much as 10% or more difference between sides in parts of their rotaion.The disadvantage of the SA is the limited number and coarseness of steps,you may actually want a volume setting that is between two positions on the switch.

[GV#27]

Are you retro fitting this into a pre amp or just using it as a stand alone passive device?

[sucks2beme]

Are you retro fitting this into a pre amp or just using it as a stand alone passive device?

Retrofit. I've got the room. The Alps could use replacement.
There are those who say going the stepped route helps the high
and low end. I'm looking for someone who's done it or heard it.
I'm trying to find out if the extra $100 over an Alps will be well
spent this way,or better used somewhere else.