How the Mystere stepped attenuator gives you a real stereo image.

Volume controls are one of the main ingredients of a preamplifier that can ultimately dictate the sound quality of your entire system.  If you use a standard-grade volume control like the one pictured on the left, every time you raise or lower the volume, it can vary by up to 20% in each channel. The result is your stereo image doesn’t just suffer... it can possibly even collapse entirely!

This is why Mystere uses this laddered resistor volume control.  Not only is it the most minimal volume control you can use (at any point on the volume knob, the signal only passing through two resistors; one for each channel), it's the best sonically.  Now... these aren't easy, or cheap, to build.  Each Mystere stepped attenuator takes 48 precision, hand-trimmed solder joints.  This part alone can take more time to build than an entire printed circuit board found in our competitors' preamps!  Inside the attenuator, gold plated contacts are sealed from the outside world, ensuring they stay quiet and never need cleaning or lubrication. 

A laddered resistor volume control like this was typically found in such lofty preamplifiers such as the $42,500 Lamm LL-1.  Leave it to Mystere to raise the bar, by offering it on every preamp and integrated amp we make, starting at just $1795!