If your application is having problems, this might be a good thing to check. Other solutions include some parts from Dallas Semiconductor such as the DS1669 . Dallas also has a potentiometer designed specifically for audio attenuation. You can sift through some more Dallas data sheets here . I was very glad to hear some feedback from my article about digital potentiometers.
Digital potentiometers are wonderful devices that have a variety of potential applications.
As I have been working with the Xicor device a little more, I discovered a very informative application note that would be good for you to read if you are considering using this part or any type of digital potentiometer. The application note lists several characteristics that I had never really considered that apply to their products and undoubtedly everyone else. The application note also gives equations for calculating parameters about your circuit or device.