Better Pots

[Cantplay]

I see a lot of amps built with alpha pots, a few with PEC.

I almost never see anyone use ALPS, and certainly never see anyone use a stepped attenuator.

Is it just the difference in cost, or do most of you feel it makes no difference?

John

[Bob S]

I've used PEC, AB, Alpha & Bourns.
Taper ratio matters when you are looking for a particular setting.
PECs are robust & they give me the warm fuzzies when I use them.
Expensive though.
I like the taper on the Bourns audio pots.
For myself I'd use Bourns.

[BTF]

I like CTS because I can take them apart and mix and match if necessary or build custom dual pots. I also use a stepped attenuator in the mid circuit of my rack clean preamp, but I doubt I would want it in a volume control. Just personal preference. While I use Alpha quite a lot, I did use Alps in a presence control on an amp a few years back. Honestly, as long as it fits, works and doesn't have that "instant on" syndrome most (Alpha?) Radio Shack pots exhibit lately, I'm okay with most any brand.