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Comments
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
To me, it doesn't sound as good as a well-implemented standard master volume - every amp I've tried with both has sounded better with the power scaling up full and the master low, not the other way round - and it doesn't sound as good an attenuator after the amp does either - because the power supply is still not working as hard so you don't get the proper compression.
For a JTM45 I would go for a post-phase-inverter MV mod or a Powerbrake - or both.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
That could be why I never found one I liked, not to mention the potential for output stage damage using some of the very early power soaks.
That's why I went for Power Scaling in my 65 DRRI some years ago. It works OK for me but it is the two-control version. I'm not sure a single control would be so satisfactory.
Would I put it in another amp? Probably not. I'd look hard for a good attenuator that suited the amp simply because there is then no modification to the amp's circuitry or the need to squeeze in two extra controls. Plus an attenuator could be sold separately from the amp if necessary. I doubt that having Power Scaling would add any value to my amp if/when I come to sell it.
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk
Overall I've found the best results with a combination of master volumes and attenuators though - any attenuator tends to work least well when it's used to bring a cranked amp down to bedroom volume.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
If the volumes we are talking about are really are 'bedroom' it's going to naff anyway as the speaker isn't contributing much.
When I had Power Scaling fitted to my amp it wasn't really with home practice levels in mind. As others have said, nothing gets close to the sound of a full-on amp when reduced to bedroom level.
In my case I liked the sound of the amp with volume set at around seven but that was too loud for smaller venues (and unpopular with sound men) so Power Scaling allowed me to keep the amp volume control fixed and its output level variable. It works ok in that situation as I'm sure most attenuators would.
I've got a Hotplate and had a DrZ Airbrake, I have Powerscaling in a 1987 and a Dc30 clone. I also have cabs that go from 95dB (4x10 P10R's) to 102dB. The Hotplate works great with Fender type amps, not with EL84's and not terribly well with the Marshall clone. It does however work fine when I stick 6v6's or EL34's in my D clone. But only down to -8dB.
Powerscaling similarly, bedroom level isn't good but to knock a bit of volume off its great.
The low efficiency speaker route is great provided you like the tone of the limited choices available.
Could you recommend any low-efficiency 12" speakers then? Something I am looking for at the moment.
Cheers,
Adam