Hello all,
I have a question about how to get the best sound out of my system, but firstly let me outline my setup. I primarily use itunes as my music library, with lossless audio. Using itunes I stream audio to an apple airport express, the digital output of which is connected to my Benchmark DAC-1. The DAC then feeds my gainclone.
Now, I have two ways of controlling the volume. I can either set the volume on the DAC to a fixed level and alter the volume digitally in itunes before streaming to the airport, or set the itunes volume to a fixed level and alter the volume using the analog DAC volume knob. My question is, which method is best? This may seem like a silly question, but I suspect (with complete ignorance regarding how D/A conversion works), that using a lower volume setting in itunes provides the DAC with a digital signal of lower dynamic range, an unfavourable scenario. In this case the analogue volume control would be preferable. Is this understanding correct, or does the volume in itunes have nothing whatsoever to do with the bandwidth of the signal provided to the DAC?
I would prefer to use the volume control in itunes as there are no mechanical parts to wear out and it is more convenient. However, I suspect that it is better to set the volume on the analogue side. I _think_ my listening tests have verified this.
What are your thoughts? I appreciate your comments.
Regards,
Greg.
I have a question about how to get the best sound out of my system, but firstly let me outline my setup. I primarily use itunes as my music library, with lossless audio. Using itunes I stream audio to an apple airport express, the digital output of which is connected to my Benchmark DAC-1. The DAC then feeds my gainclone.
Now, I have two ways of controlling the volume. I can either set the volume on the DAC to a fixed level and alter the volume digitally in itunes before streaming to the airport, or set the itunes volume to a fixed level and alter the volume using the analog DAC volume knob. My question is, which method is best? This may seem like a silly question, but I suspect (with complete ignorance regarding how D/A conversion works), that using a lower volume setting in itunes provides the DAC with a digital signal of lower dynamic range, an unfavourable scenario. In this case the analogue volume control would be preferable. Is this understanding correct, or does the volume in itunes have nothing whatsoever to do with the bandwidth of the signal provided to the DAC?
I would prefer to use the volume control in itunes as there are no mechanical parts to wear out and it is more convenient. However, I suspect that it is better to set the volume on the analogue side. I _think_ my listening tests have verified this.
What are your thoughts? I appreciate your comments.
Regards,
Greg.
its a reasonable question and in a few words the second way is better that will provide a better S/N ratio but this is also depenting on the input impedance of your amplifier and the resistance of the analog potentiometer
again in a few words if the input impedance of your amplifier is above 22K ( or 50K that would be the optimum ) and the potentiometer you have is 100K then yes this is the best combination from all
regards sakis
( carefull listening of your favourite tune will prove the above right ...use your favourite tune and trust your ears )
again in a few words if the input impedance of your amplifier is above 22K ( or 50K that would be the optimum ) and the potentiometer you have is 100K then yes this is the best combination from all
regards sakis
( carefull listening of your favourite tune will prove the above right ...use your favourite tune and trust your ears )
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