| “Both units were examined carefully, and found to be nicely working and electrically well matched with an audio test. The action and response on these is clean, no drop outs, flat spots or wear was noticed during test, attenuation increases 2/db at a time over 20 steps (with stepped detents), until Infinity to (off) on the last few steps. Action is firm and precise feeling, with properly smooth deflection observed on Scope, when a 1V signal was applied-- thus indicating these are very low use; even with frequent use, and with only occasional cleaning these will return smooth, neutral, detailed audio performance for the rest of your life.” |
Legendary Daven attenuators. A matched set of ladder type potentiometers rated 600/600 ohm... these are for audio input control use. Most Daven controls are some form of balanced in-out network, best suited for preamp and line level work.
Rather, these unbalanced Ladder types saw use in ultra expensive tube Mixers, Consoles, Compressors, and EQ's of the 1950s in various ways as unbalanced, grounded and non grounded input pots. They are perfect for DiY tube and solid state projects (research your needs before purchase, these have many useful applications), unbalanced Audio amplifier or Preamplifier inputs, and Volume controls, In this way, you can have a wonderfully smooth, nice sounding way to control your audio level. Daven Potentiometers are overbuilt to broadcast playback uber quality and massive in comparison to equally nice sounding Allen-Bradley types, and far superior to cheaper grade CTS and Mallory types used in McIntosh / Marantz and most other HiFi of the 1950s. Western Electric, RCA, and Altec Peerless (as well as Westrex) often used Daven for oem attenutation. If you have the space to mount these in your project, they are the best.
This is an amazingly nice set of survivors.... in in condition -- from unused audio equipment, mid 1950s. The Both units are a perfect match. They have a few nicks and slight scratches in finish, and one unit has a minor ding on rear cover, cosmetic only. are very heavy, top quality -- they have a few scuffs, still beautiful (see exhibit C,D).
The controls seem to be in excellent condition, only a a few minor blemishes from their 50 year age. They are exceptionally original ... most importantly a FACTORY matched pair, as found in early Bell System tube era amplification equipment (see exhibit E & B to read the numbers .. the tags are highly legible)! ...
Both units were examined carefully, and found to be nicely working and electrically well matched. Both were tested by tech for smooth response - operation, as shown on oscilloscope, (no drop outs, or wear spots) -- each peak (see exhibit B) shows a medium speed turn of the control, feeling each step -- extremely well matched, with flawless attenuation of the 1 volt audio signal (shown in exhibit B,C,D,); they gave a correct 300 to 900 ohm & a fixed 600ohm output input reading, on IN / OUT terminals, which is correct for a Ladder Pot. This model is a 20 steps to Infinity (on) to (off), and is precise and firm feeling, with nice clicky detents and instant proper deflection of the signal observed thru each on an scope, these are 2db at a time, Tapering to Infinity (off) at the last few steps -- terrific for your vintage audio amplifier, EQ, compressor or preamp Input and many other projects -- they work like new condition units. As removed from NOS/surplus audio equipment from the early 1950's. As with all vintage Daven, Shallco, Cinema and Tech Labs precision attentuators -- it's best to ocasionally lubricate/clean again, to avoid any dirt before final install into your project (Daven controls are easily serviceable at anytime, even in-service by simply removing the rear cover, an unique feature of these overbuilt 1950s style commercial controls -- the quality of these is outstanding, meant to last forever with ocassional cleaning). It has been many years since they left the factory and have been stored many, many years -- with simple and occasional cleaning these will return smooth, detailed audio performance to enjoy the rest of your life.
Beginning in the 1930's, Daven assumed market leadership of wire wound and stepped audio controls. By the 1940's -- even Western Electric and the Bell System usually chose Daven for attenuators and potentiometers -- to use in their long run audio, recording and amplification attenuation needs. Daven constructed their products to be used day in and day out -- with and superior lifespan -- they were the finest sounding too. Rediscovered in the DiY audiophile community in Japan nearly 40 years ago -- by now the country has been scoured for these fine audio controls. Matched, minty units like this are very scarce.
Perfect for DiY preamp, amp, phono and even useful for loudspeaker projects. Any where you need the best, 1950's immaculate construction quality (see exhibit B to see them in operation with audio signal).
Research your project and see if these fit your bill (see specs in exhibit E), double check your mounting dimensions and resistance, and attentuation needs -- if these will work for your next audio project -- or perhaps an upgrade in your system -- jump on them now.
Experienced audiophiles know how good, tested Daven Potentiometers are for projects.
This is an examined, matched & tested set. They will be professionally packed for safe domestic or international shipment. Please see our 100%, 5 star feedback on all premium vintage audio.
Study exhibit (A) (C) (B) to see an actual unit(s), test papers are included, -- very nice, exact action! This nice pair will sell QUICKLY. Buy now to avoid bidder's war.
See reports (Exhibit C,E). These are the real McCoy.
From the early days of Broadcast recording audio -- designed for the highest quality, heaviest use, and most demanding precision. Daven attenuators and pots were extremely expensive -- the highest quality construction found ever in worewound precision audio controls.
Originally in broad use in the USA from the 1940s onward, found in early cinema, broadcast radio, recording and the Bell System (Western Electric), and other industrial audio companies of the era (Langevin, Gates, Collins and RCA to name a few). Now preferred, and adored in ultra high end late 40-1960s era home hifi installtions & sytems. Where they performed wonderfully for controling line level audio in certain places (depending on your needs).
The most throughly tested and nicest condition you will see anywhere, and will sell quickly.
Excellent for projects where finest audio quality and a hefty tactile feel is desired.
All 100% happy customers, Guaranteed SAFE ARRIVAL, NO DOA -- please view feedback for testimonials of happy customers.
Professional 5 star packing. We always double box, securely fastened, inner boxes and safest cushioning. Fast overseas dispatch with tracking #s emailed..always!
