Psychological effects of volume control

I appreciate that explanation @shadorne . In my case, my amp (Musical Fidelity M6si) is rated at >107dB S/N (‘A’ - weighted). If I use balanced input with volume at 9 (precisely), I usually get around 85db (average) of sound. Average meaning it fluctuates between 60db and 92db. Can this be used as an indicator to determine if I am getting the necessary dynamic range? (not listening to ravel’s bolero, but rock music)

I am using a Dawson DSM101N multi-meter to measure the SPL. Not a scientific instrument, but it is better than nothing. 

And yes, there are times I throttle up to say 10:30, and have produced 101db :)

@gdhal

It is always best to have your line level equipment run close to maximum when the sound is as loud as you can stand. Just like analog tape should always be recording close to the red on peaks. The idea is you want to use the full dynamic range of your equipment. If you never exceed 1/100 of the volume on an amp then you have lost a lot of dynamic range and sone important details may be close to the noise floor.

The best electronic equipment I know of has a S/N in excess of -130 dB which is amazing and will never give you the slightest hint of hiss. Most conventional gear is around -100 dB. Also some Class AB power amps are quite noisy at 1 watt whereas their specifications are impressive at full power where they perform better (these amps can hiss a lot on a 103 dB sensitivity speaker) . All line level gear should be Class A so Performance is often good through the range except at low levels.

Integrated amps are the same - if you never get past 9 AM then the amp is too powerful for your needs/speakers and you are losing dynamic range and S/N performance.

Another reason to keep levels as high as possible without clipping or saturation is to minimize ground loops and RF/EM interference on line level interconnects...

@shadorne 

I surmise you may not have subscribed to this thread. I'd be appreciative if you were to provide an answer to the questions I've asked in my previous posts herein. 

Silly question perhaps, nevertheless, I'll ask the resident experts herein.

Would having to raise the volume at the pre-amp (in the OPs case) be the same if he had an *integrated amp*?

In my experience when an amp is at 12 or above, even when all source components are powered off, if I put my ear to the speakers tweeter I can hear enough of a "sizzle" to know with certainty the amp is powered on. There is a point where the volume can be lowered enough where the sizzle is inaudible. Isn't any amp distorting that much more as the volume raised? And if so, then why would it be desirable to raise the volume control instead of lowering it to achieve the same decibel level?

Yes, it is better that you are now reaching 11 instead of 9, less of the attenuator in the signal path. 

I once bought a used, more "sophisticated" preamp and encountered the same confusion; I was a monkey scratching its head. Mine has three volume controls, even worse. I sent it to Lamm to get it checked out, partly for the volume reason.You get used to something working in a slightly different way.

Very interesting.

I feel foolish for my previous concerns.
The DAC is bringing everything wonderfully to life now that I’ve discovered the proper volume adjustment!
Much better in so many ways than the Theta I was using.

It is actually better that your preamp volume run between 11 o’clock and 3 o’clock.

You should always adjust the power amp input sensitivity to allow the volume knob to work in this optimal range (preserve signal to noise by keeping the signal level higher on your line level equipment)

All pro power amps allow the input sensitivity to be adjusted for this reason.

Sounds like the old DAC had a higher output voltage. Generally, preamps see 2VAC (single ended) from sources but some CD players and DACs put out as much as 8 volts.

I think my problem is just getting used to the new parameters.
Instead of  “normal” being about 9 o’clock  on the dial, it’s now at 11.
Still far below the maximum volume setting.

mismatched component will not likely work in your setup so needs replacement.
you need to research input ranges of your amp and output ranges of DAC you're purchasing. i usually make sure that my source device is within middle of input ranges of my amp so it has headroom for quiet and loud music. not as complex as seems, but fairly simple.

Volume controls (attenuators) are a fairly complex topic with several different implementation with each having adherents.  In general a volume control will work best at higher settings.

Check the the gain and sensitivity specs on the old and new D/A.