2. digital
  3. 158081-141526

BlueSound Node 2i > RME ADI2 DAC > NAD 316 BEE v2 > Dali Rubicon 5 (volume too high)

Hey guys,

This might be a silly question but I'd really appreciate if you can help me understand this issue or the lack thereof.

Listed above is my system/chain. I have 3 units with pre-amp (Node, RME DAC and NAD amp).  So what should the volume on my Node and RME Dac if I want the NAD to be the main control?

Currently, I have it at Full Volume (0 db) on the Node and RME.  However, I can't seem to go past 9 o clock position on my NAD or it simply gets too loud.

Is this normal?  If so, I don't think I'll ever need a more powerful amplifier?  I am able to drive a pair of Dali Rubicon 5s (considered power hungry) with this entry level NAD.  I was considering upgrading the amp but wonder if it would make any difference at all?  
prashanth13485

Showing 7 responses by prashanth13485

prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
Thanks for responding. At what level have you locked the volume in the RME? Or am I looking at the wrong setting? 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 thanks again for taking the time to respond in detail.  I use optical out on the node yet I am able to control the volume via node unless I choose Output level fixed. 
As for the RME, I have set it to -15db (fixed) and yet I can’t go past the 10 o clock position on my Nad. 
When you say leave the volume control on/active, do you mean on the node or rme?
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 - Not really, I am able to use the volume control on the node unless i selected volume output fixed. 
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
coz of this thread, I stumbled upon the differences between optical and coaxial cables.  it seems that unless I use a glass fiber optical cable, the SQ won't be as good as a decent coaxial.  Looks like that might be an opportunity to improve the overall performance of my system :)
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@oddiofyl im a bit confused. So you’re suggesting that I disable the Auto Ref Output? If so what should be the ref output -15db? Also, what should be the volume? Should I lock the volume at 0 dB? Sorry if I’m asking silly questions. Thanks
prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adg101 thanks again for the detailed response. Guess what, I had the entry level NAD 316 bee v2 that I have returned. And I’m not considering a big upgrade on my amplifier.  Likely going to settle with either musical fidelity M6si or the marantz pm ki ruby.  Right now I am testing the m5si and I’m very pleasantly surprised. Heard that it can be bright and forward sounding but I think it’s fairly warm.

anyway, I have my node on fixed output. On the rme, there are two settings and I think I’m getting confused: volume lock basically locks the volume I have set. Question is what should be the volume on the rme if I want to use the integrated to control the volume? Should be 0 dB?

second setting is a the reference level. I have this on auto. Should I disable auto? If so, what should be the reference level? It starts from -5 and goes to +13 in 6db increments.  
Am I missing something? Thanks again for taking the time to help. I really appreciate it. 


prashanth13485 OP
51 posts
 
@adj101 awesome, I think I get it now. Gonna play around with it and settle for what sounds best to me. Thanks
More to discover