Simple pot question

[Fred G.]

In a given master volume circuit, what (if any) would be the AUDIBLE difference in a 500k pot vs. a 1Meg pot?

[Fred G.]

bump

[MWJB]

If you are already using a 1meg pot, and are not able to get a usable sweep in the first half of the rotation, then it may help do that. If you use a 1meg pot and it is typically set and more than 2/3 rotation you won't get the 500K pot into the zone.

But really it's a very open ended question given the number of master volume arrangements that there are.

[Fred G.]

"If you are already using a 1meg pot, and are not able to get a usable sweep in the first half of the rotation, then it may help do that."

With an un-useable sweep meaning that the sweep is running from zero to max TOO quickly? Going to 500k would "spread" or "lengthen" the sweep? I always thought the reverse would be true - but if I knew for sure, I wouldn't be asking - lol.

"If you use a 1meg pot and it is typically set and more than 2/3 rotation you won't get the 500K pot into the zone."

Huh? Not following you on this one...

Thanks,

Fred G.

[MWJB]

Yes, if the 1Meg pot comes on too strong, too fast then a 500KA will give you a greater sweep.

But if your 1Meg pot is usually set at more than 2/3 rotation (e.g. above 500K) then subbing to a 500KA pot will mean that you will have a usable sweep over the whole range of the pot's rotation but may never be able to set it high enough for a clean tone.