Rothwell Attenuators: The Solution for Excessive Gain in Audio Systems

The Problem: Many audiophiles face a common issue: too much gain in their system. The symptoms are clear - the volume is already loud enough at the 9 o'clock position, too loud at the 10 o'clock position, and fine control at low levels is impossible. This may seem like a minor irritation, but in reality, it compromises the performance of the system. Potentiometers work reasonably well over most of their range, but are notoriously problematic at extreme settings. The most apparent issue is channel imbalance - one channel fades out (or fades in) faster than the other, resulting in a shift of the stereo image.

The Real Cause: The actual problem is the excessive gain in the system. This forces users to use the volume control only over a very limited part of its range. What's needed is a way to reduce the overall system gain without compromising sound quality and without major modifications to the equipment itself.

The Solution: Rothwell In-Line Attenuators: Rothwell In-Line Attenuators provide the solution. These audiophile devices simply plug into any input sockets and reduce signal levels by 10dB. They can be used with integrated amps or pre/power amps and are compatible with equipment across the entire price spectrum, from budget to extreme high-end.

Benefits of Use:

• When used with integrated amps: simply plug them into any input sockets, then plug the source component into the attenuators. The volume control will then be two or three "hours" further around its range than it was before, providing better control at low levels and operating well away from the end stops.
• When used with pre/power amps: in addition to the above benefit, the attenuators can also be used between the pre-amp and the power amp for even greater effect. This way, not only is the system gain reduced by 10dB, but the signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 10dB. This lowers the noise floor enough to create an inky black silent background from which the music can emerge with better-resolved fine details and transparency.

Suitable for All Systems: Even very high-end and expensive pre/power amps can benefit from the Rothwell attenuators. If you recognize the symptoms of excessive gain in your system, Rothwell attenuators are the solution. Don't be put off by the thought that you could pay much more money for an audiophile tweak such as a set of spikes. These attenuators offer real, measurable as well as audible improvements and are perfectly suitable for use between pre and power amps costing as much as a family car.

Available Models: Both our RCA and XLR attenuators are available with 10dB or 20dB attenuation, and the RCA attenuators are now available as “source” attenuators. Source attenuators are designed with the input at the male end and the output at the female end and are intended for use on the output sockets of CD players rather than the input sockets of pre-amps. This can be very useful for owners of Naim equipment.