j
Better than more expensive option
I've tested 3 attenuator:
Bugera PS 1 at ¤79
Jettenuator at ¤128
SPL Reducer at ¤369
The SPL and Jettanuator use fancy aluminium housed resistors, the Bugera has plain ceramic resistor that sit elevator from the pcb for cooling.
All 3 devices have just resistors inside, I was expecting some additional components in SPL to justify the price, but only the housing is nicer, the electronics are not.
The SPL has a noisy and cracking potentiometer, the other 2 are noiseless when adjusting the damping level.
The Bugera has an extra feature in the dail that consists of a magnet, a metal plate and an unknown wired component. I'm not sure what this is for, but I think it's to stabilize the resistance of the potentiometer. The more expensive Jettenuator has the same potentiometer but without these extra components.
I didn't have the SPL available for a side by side test, so I only tested the Bugera and the Jettenuator side by side. They sound almost exactly the same, the Bugera is slightly smoother and the Jettanuator sounds slightly more brittle. To me, the Bugera is the more realisticly sounding device.
On both you lose some depth in the sound. Although I find the sound surprisingly good.
Even if all were the same price, the Bugera would be a clear winner for me. The SPL is very disappointing at that price level.
Bugera PS 1 at ¤79
Jettenuator at ¤128
SPL Reducer at ¤369
The SPL and Jettanuator use fancy aluminium housed resistors, the Bugera has plain ceramic resistor that sit elevator from the pcb for cooling.
All 3 devices have just resistors inside, I was expecting some additional components in SPL to justify the price, but only the housing is nicer, the electronics are not.
The SPL has a noisy and cracking potentiometer, the other 2 are noiseless when adjusting the damping level.
The Bugera has an extra feature in the dail that consists of a magnet, a metal plate and an unknown wired component. I'm not sure what this is for, but I think it's to stabilize the resistance of the potentiometer. The more expensive Jettenuator has the same potentiometer but without these extra components.
I didn't have the SPL available for a side by side test, so I only tested the Bugera and the Jettenuator side by side. They sound almost exactly the same, the Bugera is slightly smoother and the Jettanuator sounds slightly more brittle. To me, the Bugera is the more realisticly sounding device.
On both you lose some depth in the sound. Although I find the sound surprisingly good.
Even if all were the same price, the Bugera would be a clear winner for me. The SPL is very disappointing at that price level.
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d
It's really good at this price range. What I have noticed is that it increases a little bit the gain/distortion compared when it's not connected, but not the bass/mid/treble, so i back down the gain a little bit to have the exact same sound. The manual is not very clear for all the options.
Once it is connected the amp is at half power. Meaning for a 50w amp, the maximum rating will be 25watts.
The power soak knob, is what controls the output, which means that if you use the line out, which is the second knob, you still need volume coming out. That was unclear to me as I thought I could do a "silent recording" with no sound coming from my speaker whatsoever. It is useful however if you don't have a microphone and want to record or sent at a PA at the same time.
Overall it is a great product, small, light, that doesn't need an extra outlet being passive that can tame down a large amp (up till 100w) head and enjoy it in an apartment.
Once it is connected the amp is at half power. Meaning for a 50w amp, the maximum rating will be 25watts.
The power soak knob, is what controls the output, which means that if you use the line out, which is the second knob, you still need volume coming out. That was unclear to me as I thought I could do a "silent recording" with no sound coming from my speaker whatsoever. It is useful however if you don't have a microphone and want to record or sent at a PA at the same time.
Overall it is a great product, small, light, that doesn't need an extra outlet being passive that can tame down a large amp (up till 100w) head and enjoy it in an apartment.
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A
Tames my Marshall 50W tube amp
I bought a lovely 4x12 cab and vintage Head amp. I just couldn’t turn it up past 2 in my house without the windows rattling.
This solves that problem allowing me to get those tubes glowing at volume 6 /7. It’s sounds amazing!
It does get very hot it you use maximum reduction, but that’s just because of the power it has to dissipate to work.
Highly recommended.
This solves that problem allowing me to get those tubes glowing at volume 6 /7. It’s sounds amazing!
It does get very hot it you use maximum reduction, but that’s just because of the power it has to dissipate to work.
Highly recommended.
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R
One of the best solutions to a loud about.
Bought a Marshall sv20 that's way too loud.
With the ps1 I can crank the amp and keep the volume on a comfy level.
As with every other passive attenuator there is a tonal loss when you attenuate more than 75% of the volume but can be fixed by adding treble from the amp.
When you attenuate more than 90% of the signal you can feel the sound more compressed, which can't be fixed.
All and all very usable, durable, cheap and effective.
Bought a Marshall sv20 that's way too loud.
With the ps1 I can crank the amp and keep the volume on a comfy level.
As with every other passive attenuator there is a tonal loss when you attenuate more than 75% of the volume but can be fixed by adding treble from the amp.
When you attenuate more than 90% of the signal you can feel the sound more compressed, which can't be fixed.
All and all very usable, durable, cheap and effective.
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M
Brilliant piece of kit
I love my old valve amps, unfortunately they are to loud to use these days with out getting arrested. The Bugera PS1 Power Soak has enabled me to use my beloved 100 watt amps again. They are still loud but bearable.
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MM
Can't get better
This unit does whats it most do, reduce the volume of your amp. I open'd the unit and it's complete passive resistor, well built. I read here some reviews where they mention a change tone and adding distortion. Because this mainly is an passive high power poteniometer, it can't add nothing to your sound. The change of tone is because you speaker does not get the full power and it's normal that it's changing how it's behaving.
Overall if your want to cranck up you valve amp without blowing you eardrums and keeping you tone, this is the gear to buy.
A qiuick re marque, Do use the right cable, a signal cable is not an speaker cable!!!!!!!!
I use one om my Marshall Orgine20 and Marshall DSL40 and i'm very happy with it.
I will buy an other one very some for my Vox AC15 C2, Mayby Thoman can give me some special price here ;)
Overall if your want to cranck up you valve amp without blowing you eardrums and keeping you tone, this is the gear to buy.
A qiuick re marque, Do use the right cable, a signal cable is not an speaker cable!!!!!!!!
I use one om my Marshall Orgine20 and Marshall DSL40 and i'm very happy with it.
I will buy an other one very some for my Vox AC15 C2, Mayby Thoman can give me some special price here ;)
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m
Nice product
Works beautifully, build quality is 100% metal (only the knobs and feet are plastic). Finish is matte. This should last for decades.
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MR
Best Value for money,
Just attenuates the output of the Amp without Coloration
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C
Amazing little piece of gear
I can finally crank my Dual Rectifier to its sweet spot without shaking the whole house lol
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t
Effective attenuator
I am using this for my 50watt tube amp, and it is the only reason I can use the amp in my bedroom.
By just plugging in the attenuator the volume is reduced by 50% and you can then adjust gradually down to 0 and turn up the volume and gain on your amp giving you the sound you want/need/
I am not an expert but did not note any noticable difference in the sounds after plugging in the attenuator.
The build of the attenuator is very solid with a metal cabinet and feels like quality materials were used.
and with the volumes I play at it does not even get lukewarm.
I don't need it myself, but for some a bypass switch would likely be useful and had I needed it I would have only given 4 starts in features
Can definitely recommend this and would get one again immediately if it broke.
By just plugging in the attenuator the volume is reduced by 50% and you can then adjust gradually down to 0 and turn up the volume and gain on your amp giving you the sound you want/need/
I am not an expert but did not note any noticable difference in the sounds after plugging in the attenuator.
The build of the attenuator is very solid with a metal cabinet and feels like quality materials were used.
and with the volumes I play at it does not even get lukewarm.
I don't need it myself, but for some a bypass switch would likely be useful and had I needed it I would have only given 4 starts in features
Can definitely recommend this and would get one again immediately if it broke.
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