ALPS RK50

So while looking at potentiometers I found out about the Alps RK50

http://www.alps.com/prod/info/E/HTML/Potentiometer/RotaryPotentiometers/RK501/RK501_list.html

It's an impressive looking potentiometer but when I looked around at prices I see that it can be $700-$800! For a fraction of that price I can get a stepped attenuator which I thought was always better then a potentiometer performance wise. There are a few things I don't really question when it comes to audiophilia but what would be the reason to get this? I can get a really good amp for the price of this potentiometer. It can't be audio jewelry because it's hidden under the chassis. Is it for some continuous volume control fetish and a distaste for discrete volume?

 

I think they're OOP which would explain the price hike. Either way that's too much to spend on a pot. The TKD can be had for $100 if you want to splurge. The GP steppers (which are even better) would be the most I would seriously consider.

 

Headamp use that, maybe one or two manufacturers use that too in their pre-amp, couldn't remember. That's all I've seen RK50 other than in DIY products.

 

The RK50 is also used in selected Accuphase and Kondo applications.

 

FWIW, expensive but the SQ using a RK50 is tops. Compared to Alpha, TDK, straight single Vishay RN60, and Audirvana Isotope digital volume control. All sounded colored in comparison over my Stax SR-009.