This is interesting. I have a server with software interface volume setting for fixed or variable feeding my DAC ( no vc). Although variable control would be more convenient as my tube preamp has a manual stepped attenuator I set software to fixed output. I've listened both ways and even eliminated the preamp from the chain without noticing much difference. I've thought digital software driven volume control was supposed to be inferior? I like having the tube pre in the mix although unnecessary in my system so it's acting more like a buffer with gain. By the way my preamp has 12db gain. I tend not to go back and forth between configurations so I'm used to getting up to manually adjust volume.
Gain / Amplification
Ok, dumb question maybe….maybe the more troll-like members could chill on this one. I was just wondering, is there likely a quality-of-sound difference between utilizing maximum gain (say, out of a CD player, to keep it a simple scenario) and needing much less amplification from your amp, or is it in any way different to set your CD gain/output volume at a lower level and let your amp do its job? Let’s say balanced connections, so that’s added gain as well.
Question just kind of occurred to me when I fired up my Oppo for first time in awhile and it was **LOUD**. Which is not an issue, I was just wondering, circuit design-wise and engineering-wise, should one or the other provide a better sound ?
JH