Andy,
phofman gave you a very comprehensive answer in post #3.
A top modern audio gear has a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 120~130dB.
This includes some top-of-the-range, 32-bit DACs.
But 130dB corresponds only to 22 bits.
So although the DAC is in theory 32 bits (in digital resolution), the last 10 bits is buried in noise.
Which is exactly what was said in post#3.
If your original recording is in 16 bits, you can attenuate 36dB without loss.
If your recording is in 24 bit, you will always have losses in attenuation.
That is even though you have a 32 bit DAC.
In reality, the SNR is the limit.
Cheers,
Patrick
phofman gave you a very comprehensive answer in post #3.
A top modern audio gear has a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 120~130dB.
This includes some top-of-the-range, 32-bit DACs.
But 130dB corresponds only to 22 bits.
So although the DAC is in theory 32 bits (in digital resolution), the last 10 bits is buried in noise.
Which is exactly what was said in post#3.
If your original recording is in 16 bits, you can attenuate 36dB without loss.
If your recording is in 24 bit, you will always have losses in attenuation.
That is even though you have a 32 bit DAC.
In reality, the SNR is the limit.
Cheers,
Patrick
This relate to the same issue as a lin or log pot. I.e. how it operates when turned and not its precision I would think..
I think it is an interesting question if OS X is bit transparent from say USB audio in to Toslink out if volume is set to 0 attenuation?
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