Stepped attenuator as "inline attenuator"/upgraded volume pot

[charliedob]

Hi there! I've had a stock Moreplay now for a few months and have really enjoyed it. It replaced a nice stepped attenuator (Softone model 5) I was running previously.
I'm running 100db-ish Altec 604s, and had the idea of putting the attenuator back into the chain to at the least act as an "inline" attenuator and avoid hair trigger volume issues, and at best act as an improved volume control.
I was wondering if this is technically sound, or if it's a bit redundant due to adding another link in the chain/impedance issues.
For reference, input impedance of the stepped attenuator is 10-34k ohms, and output impedance is 10-20kohms. The input impedance of the power amplifier is 100kohms.

I went ahead and did some tests with the attenuator between the moreplay and power amp. With the moreplay volume wide open I noticed a bit more detail and weight, but can't shake the feeling that it sounds a bit more strained, with slightly compressed dynamics/stereo image. All very subjective. Could be a result of the very "spare" cheapo RCAs I had to add, but maybe the impedance is an issue.

Sorry for the long winded question, this is very much just me tweaking before I eventually grab the upgrade later this year!
Cheers,
Charlie

 

[Paul Joppa]

Try it with the Moreplay in the middle. Moreplay has the level control at the output, so this arrangement lets you adjust the signal level inside it independent of the loudness of the speakers. There is probably a sweet spot, possibly different for each recording.

I actually proposed something like this during the design process, though it didn't survive the practicality test.

[added later] it's like car transmission - the step attenuator is the gear shifter, throttle is the pot.

 

[charliedob]

Thanks Paul! Forgive me if I've misunderstood, but before I experiment more, does this mean you would you suggest source > attenuator > Moreplay > power amp, as opposed to source > Moreplay > attenuator > power amp? And primarily handle volume control with the Moreplay pot as the "throttle"?

Cheers,
Charlie

 

[Paul Joppa]

Yes to the first question. Either way to the second.