All the circuits I put together use coupling caps, so there isn't a
constant current going through any of the pots, unless a cap fails and
leaks DC. I keep looking for RV4 (2 watt) pots and paying a small
fortune for them. I even settle for linear instead of audio when I
can't get audio taper.

One local store says they'll order them from Mexico, but they cost
hundreds of dollars per pound. I forget the figure he quoted but he was
talking "ounces" and when I went home and weighed them I figured I'd
need a few pounds a year. I don't care if they're "realy, REALY good
stuff" that's just too much to pay for potentiometers.

So can I use the cheapies in Mouser's catalogue? What is the lowest
wattage you'd recommend? I won't be using these for bias adjustments,
but if a cap *does* fail should the pots be RV4 rated?

Karl