My understanding is that, in general, the analog volume control is better. But, if you are not using a great preamp, going directly from the DAC to the amp, may override this difference.
Digital vs. Analog Volume Control
Hope someone can help. And, if this has been discussed elsewhere, please do me a favor and point me in the right direction.
Basically, I'm trying to figure out if there is a general rule of thumb to this, whether one way is always better than the other (all things being equal).
I have a Meridian 565 processor that can output either a fixed or variable PCM signal. I've heard that I should stay away from variable digital outputs or risk damaging my speakers.
Anyhow, if I go with a fixed PCM output to an external DAC, I would then use an analog passive volume controller (e.g. MSB MVC-1) between the DAC and Amp. However, if I use a variable PCM output to the DAC, I wouldn't need an analog volume controller between the DAC and Amp.
Thought? Opinions?
Basically, I'm trying to figure out if there is a general rule of thumb to this, whether one way is always better than the other (all things being equal).
I have a Meridian 565 processor that can output either a fixed or variable PCM signal. I've heard that I should stay away from variable digital outputs or risk damaging my speakers.
Anyhow, if I go with a fixed PCM output to an external DAC, I would then use an analog passive volume controller (e.g. MSB MVC-1) between the DAC and Amp. However, if I use a variable PCM output to the DAC, I wouldn't need an analog volume controller between the DAC and Amp.
Thought? Opinions?