How to set up volume control on a DAC without a preamp

I'm going thru the exact same thing.  My amp does have its own manual volume control so I can use the DAC but after getting used to remote volume control on my previous DAC I'm also looking for a different solution.

I tried a Schitt SAGA and it didn't work for me.  It turned down the volume OK but sucked all the life out of the music.  I can also choose to use Foobar2000 with it's software volume control which my not sound quite as good as AlbumPLayer but it is much better than the SAGA.

I'm not a ROON user but depending on the USB driver  it may not work.

My DAC manufacture recommended the Khozmo passive that can be purchased for under a grand (way under depending on the resister type)

@lanx0003 

Different AlbumPlayer.  It's still active and sounds fantastic.  https://albumplayer.ru/

There is a learning curve to get the most out of the upsampleing  but the DSD sounded pretty good on my previous DAC.   It is a very basic player but I guess there is a way to integrate it into other players.  I've never tried it.

I have the original SAGA.  At the time when I purchased it the SAGA +was out but  according to Schitt didn't sound better just had a better featured volume control.  As for now I just get up and turn the knob which is a pain but probably healthier.