The use of potentiometers to set gain levels in high-quality audio electronics is commonplace as the majority of alternatives level have clear disadvantages. Deeming it ‘clearly superior’, however, the developers behind the Lake People and Violectric brands have turned to the relay circuit.

Relay circuits are comparably complex and expensive, but claim a level of quality other technologies cannot achieve. A 256-step resistor network comprised of fixed resistors with low tolerances guarantees absolute precision.

Their RCA (Relay Controlled Attenuator) switches between resistor combinations, similar to a step switch, but with a greater number of steps and is automatable. The relays are operated via rotary encoders, buttons or potentiometers – Lake People uses the latter, as they display the current position of the controller. Lake People and Violectric employ reed relays encapsuled in a small glass tube with protective gas, making them particularly quiet and isolating them from environmental influences.

With 256 0.4dB steps, Lake People devices claim a maximum of more than 100dB – more than enough for playback level control. The low-tolerance fixed resistors allow great precision, channel balance and thermal stability.

Reed relay volume control debuts with the monitor controller MC100 Pro for Lake People. At Violectric, however, the relay has already built a tradition: hi-fi central DHA V5902 Pro and headphone amplifier HPA V550 Pro offer the 256-steps relay circuit for the outputs. In the high-end field, Niimbus US 5 Pro uses reed relays for absolutely accurate level control and uncoloured sound.