Khozmo Attenuators
Khozmo Acoustic represents value, advanced technology, superb build quality and superior sound. Khozmo attenuators are able to step in and improve virtually any component where there is adequate room. Khozmo attenuators, and the products from Hattor Audio, are made by Arek Kallas, from Warsaw, Poland.
Shunt Type Attenuator
A shunt stepped attenuator is a simple design where the signal is fed through a fixed series resistor (Rin) and the shunt resistor (Rg), is selected from values ranging from zero to infinity by means of a selector switch. Although a shunt design presents a variable input impedance to the signal source, this has little effect in practice and the benefits of a single resistor and switch in the signal path far outweigh any potential matching issues. Click here to be taken to the Shunt Attenuator page.
Ladder Type Attenuator
This is where 2 resistors, and 2 switch contacts, are used per step, making up a unique combination of resistors per step, that adds up to the impedance of the stepped attenuator you use. Effectively, it is a voltage divider network.
The total series resistance of each set (made of two resistors) is always the same, so the signal source always sees the same impedance. This type gives constant load to the source, which is why it was used in many industrial and professional applications where performance was not allowed to change, at all. With some sources, the ladder type attenuator can give more consistent performance as the volume is varied. Click here to be taken to the Ladder Attenuator page.
Series Type Attenuators
Effectively a long chain of resistors whose sum equals the selected impedance. The switch wiper moves through the chain as the volume knob is turned. Like a potentiometer, the input impedance of a series type stepped attenuator remains constant, so the signal source always sees a constant, non varying load. This is like a cross between shunt and ladder, though the sound isn’t as pure as the shunt type attenuator. Click here to be taken to the Series Attenuator page.
Relay Based Attenuators
64 steps relay-based ladder-type attenuator
Our best design, perhaps the best available, is based on HQ Omron relays instead of moving contacts. We even designed our own optical encoder which guarantees long life operation. Remote control is automatically included. Click here for relay-based ladder-attenuators.
Omron Relay Based Ladder Attenuators with Remote Control
Khozmo Compact PCB Relay Attenuator
New from Khozmo are these compact PCB relay attenuators. Why? Because there is a need for more compact and flexible packaging. This option allows the designer to build a more compact, low profile unit. The Omron relays and Vishay SMD resistors give state of the art performance. The optical encoder is small, and has a tremendous lifespan. A remote is included.
This is the 48 step true ladder option. With 48 steps, and only 2 resistors in the signal at each step, it combines transparency with the constant impedance that some designers prefer. The price is a remarkably low $389.
48 Step True Ladder
This is the 64 Step Shunt Attenuator, making it the most compact option, combining tremendous transparency, affordability and the most options for mounting and retrofitting. The price is only $329. How much are you losing with your crummy volume controls?
64 Step Shunt Attenuator