Firestone Audio
Series or Shunt Setting for the Volume Control, , Which is Better?

All of the Firestone Audio components with a Volume Control offer you a choice of two settings - Series (default) and shunt modes. Switching between series and shunt changes how the circuit “sees” the volume control and potentially changes the sound.

Here’s a diagram showing circuit differences.  shunt / series diagram

In the series position the volume control is in series with the audio circuit, so the audio signal goes through the volume control and then to the amplifier. This is the default setting for all Firestone products.

In the shunt position the volume control is in parallel with the circuit, so the audio signal goes directly to the amplifier and doesn’t pass through the volume control. The volume control in this instance works as a shunt.
 
One position is not necessarily better than the other and there’s really no reason to change the setting if you are happy with the sound. But if you are an insatiable tweaker like me and just can’t leave things alone or are just plain curious then it can be fun to experiment with the settings.

An improvement can be heard by some people using one setting or the other so you may find you develop a preference as well.

Changing the setting does not turn off or defeat the volume control it only changes how the circuit “sees” it.

If you want to evaluate the two positions then I suggest trying one position for about a week or so and getting a really good feel for the sound. Then switch and try the other position for about a week and then switch back again. That should tell you if you have a preference for one over the other.

If you are using a separate preamp to adjust volume and are not using the volume control on the component then most listeners find the best sound using the shunt position and the 12 o’clock setting on the volume control.

Here’s the procedure for changing the setting.

1. Remove the 4 top cover screws (2 on either end) using the little Allen key supplied with your unit. Then remove the top cover.
2. Once the top cover is off you’ll see the dip switches located beside the volume control.
3. Move both switches to “ON” for the shunt position. Moving both switches to the “1-2″ position is series.
4. When you complete the adjustment, replace the top cover and reinstall the screws. Start all 4 screws for a couple of turns and take care to get them started straight to avoid cross threading and then lightly tighten.

That’s it; the entire process takes less than five minutes. Please let us know how you make out and if you prefer the series or shunt setting. As always, we welcome your questions, comments and feedback. 

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