Wow thats a lot of responses! Thank you!
Just to clarify, I do not wish to use a variable (stepped) attenuator. Currently I am using between 20dB to 35dB of digital attenuation in the DAC. All I want is to introduce fixed passive attenuation of 20dB. This will allow me to use 0dB to 15dB digital attenuation. Theoretically this should reduce potential digital degradation (if is any), but the attenuator could introduce its own.
To be honest, I don't detect loss of SQ in my system even when the DAC attenuates 35dB. Maybe my system or ears are not resolving enough :-). Having said that I just wanted to experiment with a fixed attenuator (built right into an XLR male connector to minimize signal degradation). Should be a fairly inexpensive experiment even with high quality resistors.
@Almarg
I am a little confused as to which circuit to use with balanced cables. Some websites suggest soldering the R2 resistor (1K in my case) between the + and - terminals and a R1/2 resistors (9/2 = 4.5K in my case) in series with the + and - wires. Other online sources suggest that using two R1 -- R2 voltage divider networks. One between + and ground and another between - and ground. Not sure which one to go with. Thoughts?
Just to clarify, I do not wish to use a variable (stepped) attenuator. Currently I am using between 20dB to 35dB of digital attenuation in the DAC. All I want is to introduce fixed passive attenuation of 20dB. This will allow me to use 0dB to 15dB digital attenuation. Theoretically this should reduce potential digital degradation (if is any), but the attenuator could introduce its own.
To be honest, I don't detect loss of SQ in my system even when the DAC attenuates 35dB. Maybe my system or ears are not resolving enough :-). Having said that I just wanted to experiment with a fixed attenuator (built right into an XLR male connector to minimize signal degradation). Should be a fairly inexpensive experiment even with high quality resistors.
@Almarg
I am a little confused as to which circuit to use with balanced cables. Some websites suggest soldering the R2 resistor (1K in my case) between the + and - terminals and a R1/2 resistors (9/2 = 4.5K in my case) in series with the + and - wires. Other online sources suggest that using two R1 -- R2 voltage divider networks. One between + and ground and another between - and ground. Not sure which one to go with. Thoughts?