DAC volume controls

I have Benchmark DAC3 to Benchmark AHB2 power amp.  It sounds wonderful and has digital volume control for digital signals.  Previously I had Benchmark DAC1, that had analog volume control.  DAC3 sounds way better, but it is most likely because of different D/A converter and processing.  Analog volume control over time developed static and I had to lift back of the pot and spray fader lube inside.  I had to do it couple of times.  With digital control it will be quiet forever.

@yyzsantabarbara   DAC3 HGC have two gain controls (hence "Hybrid Gain Control")  - a digital encoder for digital signals and analog pot for analog inputs, mounted on the same shaft.  AFAIK HPA4 has encoder as well, but it controls bunch of relays providing 256 step control, all in analog domain.  That's the best of both worlds - unlimited life span encoder controlling analog gain.  What surprised me the most about AHB2 is bass performance in comparison to my previous class D (Icepower) amp.  It goes lower and stronger.  Specifications don't reflect it since both had adequate extension on paper (class D - 5Hz, AHB2 = 0.1Hz).  Let me know if you hear the same.  Getting back to issue on hand - Benchmark, in one of the papers claims that with typical system you cannot hear more than 16-bit anyway.  That would require overall system S/N to be better than 96dB.  Music is compressed most of the time allowing us to hear silent parts better, but we also have around 30dB of ambient noise.  I believe that digital volume control for signal, that is in digital domain is the best and most accurate way to go.  Upsampling and filtering provides extra resolution (averaging), but even without it I wouldn't be able to hear lowest bits when volume is dialed down.  Engineering behind Benchmark products is always first class, so if they decided to use digital volume control it means it can be done right.