FAQ - Products

How do I order matched resistors or capacitors?

Add one matching charge for each matched pair and list the groups in the order comments. Matching depends on available stock. No charge is needed if the product is already sold as matched.

This service has a nominal charge; you can add the product to your cart here.

I want to order a custom inductor value, is this possible?

Yes, you can order custom values of both Mundorf and Jantzen inductors. Simply order the next value up and state the exact value you require in the comments box when you make your order.

Inductors can only be produced in two decimal places, and the DCR (resistance) cannot be modified.

We can only complete the request if you follow the instructions above.

If a product is out of stock, can you let me know when it’s available again?

Please use the stock alert system on the product page. You can enter your desired amount, and you will receive an email when we receive the item back in stock.

You must have an account and be logged in to use this feature.

Will wire or cable be supplied in one continuous length?

Yes, unless you specify separate lengths in the order comments.

Is all product technical information up-to-date?

We strive to provide the most up-to-date information about our products, including dimensions, weights, diagrams, and images. However, manufacturers often change product details without notifying us, and with the number of ranges we stock, information can occasionally be out of date.

If you notice anything that you believe is incorrect, please notify us by emailing us here.

Can you build a custom cable or stepped attenuator?

We normally build only the cables and stepped attenuators listed on the website. For other requests, contact our technical team; availability and labour charges depend on current capacity.

Can I get help in choosing a product for my project?

Contact our technical team with the part number, intended use, required values and ratings, available space, and a diagram or clear photos. Tell us if you need a direct replacement.

Are Volt Speakers Matched?

"We control the quality of every component purchased or built in-house and reject any parts that do not fit within a tight tolerance of our golden reference of components. In assembly, all components are jigged up to ensure every component lines up correctly and consistently. They are assembled with great care and attention in batches no greater than 10 PCs to keep any deviation to a minimum. Every drive unit undergoes a rigorous testing routine to ensure no unwanted noises are present under a high-power test. A sweep via a CLIO system will ensure they meet the golden reference tolerance for that model drive unit."

Steven Nichamin from Volt

Can I use the "SPKR-T-STD-CU-PLA-B1: Audio Note Tweeter" as a replacement tweeter for my "Snell Type J/II"

There are similarities between the Snell Type J/II and the Audio Note AN-Es. You can use the SPKR-T-STD-CU-PLA-B1: Audio Note tweeter (SPKR-031) as a drop-in replacement for the original tweeter. We strongly recommend you replace the pair. 

Well worth checking the foam surround of your original woofers. We have the foam kits here.

What information do I need to choose a potentiometer or stepped attenuator?

Check the required resistance, taper, number of channels, shaft type and available space against the product page. For a replacement, contact our technical team with the original part number or markings, dimensions and clear photographs before ordering.

Does capacitor polarity or fitting direction matter?

Check the product page and manufacturer markings before fitting. Polarised capacitors must be installed with the correct polarity; non-polarised capacitors can normally be fitted either way. If a product has an outer-foil or direction marking, follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

For Mundorf’s axial audio-caps (MKP), the big “M” of Mundorf shows the contact to the outer film or foil.

How can I check whether a capacitor will fit?

Compare the body dimensions, lead spacing and lead length on the product page with the available space and mounting points in your equipment. If a dimension is missing, contact our technical team before ordering.

Can I replace a capacitor with one rated for a higher voltage?

Yes, you can use a higher-voltage-rated capacitor than the original. Make sure you match the capacitance and capacitor type, and never use a capacitor with a lower voltage rating, as it may blow up. Also, if it is an electrolytic capacitor, do check the polarity.  Ask our technical team if unsure.

Why does a product show a stock quantity if it is listed as a non-stock item?

A “non-stock item” is not held in our warehouse and must be ordered from the manufacturer. The quantity shown indicates that the product is available to order; it does not represent stock we currently hold.

Will an XLR-to-RCA adaptor convert balanced audio to unbalanced?

An adaptor can make the connection, but it does not provide isolation, level matching or balanced noise rejection. Check the source wiring first, as some balanced outputs must not have XLR pin 3 grounded. If unsure, use a transformer or active converter.

What size speaker cable do I need?

Choose the conductor size for the cable length and loudspeaker impedance. Longer runs and lower impedances need a larger conductor area. Make sure the cable also fits both sets of terminals.

How do I choose the right heat-shrink size?

Choose tubing whose expanded diameter clears the widest part and whose recovered diameter grips the cable. Check the manufacturer’s shrink ratio, recovery temperature and operating-temperature range, and allow for any stated length change.

What does DCR mean on an inductor?

DCR is the winding’s resistance measured with direct current. In a passive crossover it acts as series resistance, so a replacement should match the inductance and keep DCR close to the original.

What is the difference between air-core and cored inductors?

Air-core inductors do not suffer magnetic-core saturation, but are often larger and have higher DCR for the same inductance. Cored inductors can be smaller with lower DCR, but performance depends on the core and current. Follow the crossover design.

What do poles and ways mean on a rotary switch?

Each pole is a separate circuit operated by the same shaft; each way, or throw, is a selectable contact for that pole. Check the contact diagram, number of positions, switching action and electrical rating.

What is the difference between shorting and non-shorting switches?

A shorting (make-before-break) switch connects the new contact before releasing the old one. A non-shorting (break-before-make) switch disconnects first. Use the type specified by the circuit; they are not automatically interchangeable.

Why does an 8-ohm drive unit measure less than 8 ohms on a multimeter?

A multimeter measures the voice coil’s DC resistance, while 8 ohms is the nominal impedance with an audio signal. Impedance varies with frequency, so a lower reading is normal. Compare it with the manufacturer’s DC resistance specification if available.

What are Thiele/Small parameters used for?

Thiele/Small parameters describe a drive unit’s small-signal, low-frequency behaviour. Use values for the exact model and impedance version in enclosure-design software to estimate cabinet volume, tuning and bass response. They do not predict maximum output or distortion.

How do I compare drive-unit sensitivity ratings?

Compare ratings only when the input, distance, frequency range and mounting conditions match. Remember that 2.83 V equals 1 W only into 8 ohms, so figures for different impedances may not be directly comparable. Sensitivity does not show power handling.

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