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Do Audiophiles usually keep the gain of the digital source at around 80%?

My setup is:

A8 Eversolor DAC and streamer

McIntosh C12000 preamp

REL sub 810

Focal Sopra n1 speakers. 

861 Moon amp

I keep my McIntosh preamp usually between 50-60% volume. Any higher would make the sound thin like.

For the Eversolo streamer (which I am enjoying quite a bit for the money), I keep between 75% -85% max gain. With older songs that are recorded at lower volume, I have it at 85%. But with songs that are recorded louders (mostly newer songs) it would cause some/slight clipping at that level so I to have lower the gain to about 75% max gain.  

I saw that there was a max volume throughput option on the Eversolo, but when I try that I can’t really get the system as loud as I want it without clipping and distortion setting in early. 

Is this normal for Audiophiles to keep the gain on the digital signal about 80%?

Wasn’t sure if this should go into digital forums or preamps since both are used here, so I posted here. 

 

dman777

Showing 4 responses by sns

sns
4,138 posts
 

If that is true digital volume you're bit stripping, volume should always be set at 100%. 

sns
4,138 posts
 

@saugertiesbob This not correct. The Eversolo doesn't really have a preamp function, it only has digital volume control, you need analog volume control in order to be considered a preamp, and even then it would only be a passive device. You absolutely need to run the Eversolo at 100% with pass through volume control to extract maximum sound quality. 

 

I don't understand why you have clipping,  distortion  issues in the first place. I've never had an issue with gain using XLR and 100% volume with chip or R2R dacs, this with active pre with dual transformer volume control. That Mac sure must be sensitive to gain to have that issue, not good.

sns
4,138 posts
 

clio09 has succinctly explained the issue and solution, go with the RCA, otherwise you need to change out other components. 4V outputs on dac XLR is typical by the way. This issue points to why its important to check specs prior to purchase of components.

sns
4,138 posts
 

Obviously the A8 has analog outputs because it's a dac/streamer, the volume control is in digital realm, it does NOT function as a pre.

 

The generalization of pre's as superfluous because it simply adds distortion, reduces dynamics, sweetens sound is absolutely ridiculous. I'm sure there are many here with quality preamps that find them indispensable. 

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